Intelsat, the world’s leading provider of satellite services, has announced the first commercial contract for the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
“SpaceX is very proud to have the confidence of Intelsat, a leader in the satellite communication services industry,” said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and Chief Designer.” The Falcon Heavy has more than twice the power of the next largest rocket in the world. With this new vehicle, SpaceX launch systems now cover the entire spectrum of the launch needs for commercial, civil and national security customers.”
“Timely access to space is an essential element of our commercial supply chain,” said Thierry Guillemin, Intelsat CTO. “As a global leader in the satellite sector, our support of successful new entrants to the commercial launch industry reduces risk in our business model. Intelsat has exacting technical standards and requirements for proven flight heritage for our satellite launches. We will work closely with SpaceX as the Falcon Heavy completes rigorous flight tests prior to our future launch requirements.”
This is the first commercial contract for SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch vehicle. Under the agreement, an Intelsat satellite will be launched into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
Falcon Heavy will be the most powerful rocket in the world and historically is second only to the Apollo-era Saturn V Moon rocket. Capable of lifting 53 metric tons (117,000 pounds) to low Earth orbit and over 12 metric tons (26,000 pounds) to GTO, Falcon Heavy will provide more than twice the performance to low Earth orbit of any other launch vehicle. This will allow SpaceX to launch the largest satellites ever flown and will enable new missions. Building on the flight-proven architecture of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, Falcon Heavy is designed for reliability. The vehicle is designed to meet both NASA human rating standards as well as the stringent U.S. Air Force requirements for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, making it available for commercial, civil and military customers.
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1 thought on “Intelsat Signs First Commercial Falcon Heavy Launch Agreement”
Must be quite a large satellite to require the Falcon Heavy to send it to GEO.
BTW, earlier reports gave the mass to GTO as 19,000 kg, while now it’s given as 12,000. Any explanation of the discrepancy?
Bob Clark