SpaceX may soon handle some of the US government's highest-priority satellite missions. Bloombergreports the Space Force has certified SpaceX to launch top secret spy satellites using Falcon Heavy rockets equipped with reusable boosters. The move gives SpaceX more high-profile government missions, of course, but also promises to save federal money by reducing the costs of ferrying these satellites to orbit. The Space Force has already saved over $ 64 million for GPS missions by using reusable Falcon 9 rockets, Space Systems Command's Falcon chief Walter Lauderdale said.
The Space Force issued the certification in June, but didn't disclose the approval until now. SpaceX can carry spy satellites aboard Falcon 9 rockets, but they don't always have the power needed for heavier payloads. The first Falcon Heavy-based launch is expected sometime between October and December, when SpaceX will deliver a National Reconnaissance Office satellite.
This could represent a significant if temporary blow to rival rocket producers. The Boeing and Lockheed-Martin joint venture United Launch Alliance still hasn't received similar approval for a version of its Vulcan rocket using Blue Origin motors. Air Force officials are still reviewing the approach to 39 national security launches slated for fiscal 2025 through 2027. SpaceX isn't guaranteed to win business that would otherwise go to ULA, but its earlier certification could influence any decisions.
Part of the SpaceX mission has been to create reusable rockets that make spaceflight cheaper, and it has become routine to see the company’s booster rockets return safely to Earth. With today’s launch SpaceX set a new milestone by catching both halve…
Engadget RSS Feed
SpaceX has won the contract for NASA's Psyche mission, and it's using the Falcon Heavy rocket to launch the spacecraft and ferry it to its target asteroid. NASA first approved plans to visit Psyche back in 2017 before finalizing them last year.
Engadget RSS Feed
Hey, good morning! You look fabulous. Elon Musk did it. The Falcon Heavy has launched Starman on his trip through the Solar System, but we're still here to bring you the latest news. Take a peek at the launch if you missed it, and then find out what…
Engadget RSS Feed
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket has been in the works for so long that it almost feels like the stuff of legend at this point (Elon Musk first unveiled it in 2011), but there are signs that it might make that promised November launch. The private spacef…
Engadget RSS Feed
SpaceX CEO and founder Elon Musk tweets his plan to reuse parts of the Falcon 9 rocket for future flights to test before the rocket debuts this summer, despite low odds of success.
The post Elon Musk wants to reuse more of the Falcon 9 rocket for future flights appeared first on Digital Trends.
At 10:01 AM EST on February 18th, a SpaceX flight will take off from Launch Complex 39A for the first time since the company signed a 20-year lease for its use. The company will also attempt another first stage landing around 9 minutes after take off…
Engadget RSS Feed
Elon Musk’s aerospace manufacturer SpaceX recently announced it plans to launch its massive Falcon Heavy rocket in either late April or early May of 2016.
The post SpaceX announces tentative launch timeline for its massive Falcon Heavy rocket appeared first on Digital Trends.
Star Wars merchandise is big business. So big, in fact, that the films' stewards are streaming an unboxing marathon for all of the Force Awakens toys coming out on "Force Friday" tomorrow. We weren't going to pay much interest, but two items in par…
Engadget Full RSS Feed