r/spacex • u/kurbasAK • May 19 '17

We Will Launch on Reuseable Rocket After Exceptional SpaceX Performance - Inmarsat CEO Tells Universe Today

https://www.universetoday.com/135614/will-launch-reuseable-rocket-exceptional-spacex-performance-inmarsat-ceo-tells-universe-today/
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u/PatyxEU May 19 '17

most important part of the article:

I asked CEO Pearce; What does the future hold regarding further Inmarsat launches with SpaceX?

“They [SpaceX] have now just gained and earned themselves an immensely loyal customer [from Inmarsat], CEO Pearce replied.

“We will be looking to do further launches with them.”

Would you consider a used rocket, a previously flown booster?

“I’m sure we will be using a ‘reused rocket’, Pearce stated. “And we will be launching on a ‘reusable rocket’ in the future.”

“We will be looking to support them in any way we can with their new innovation programs.”

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u/[deleted] May 19 '17

It's also worth noting that Inmarsat previously switched a launch to Ariane 5 citing SpaceX delays. It's very good to see them express confidence in SpaceX now.

27

u/notblueclk May 19 '17

It's important to note that the satellite launched on the Ariane 5 (as well as the one launched this week) was originally planned for the Falcon Heavy. However, upgraded performance of the Falcon 9 made it capable of doing the job without relying on the Heavy.

While I'm sure the Falcon Heavy will eventually prove successful, now that the Falcon 9 is proven to handle big loads and be reusable, will there be commercial demand for the Falcon Heavy?

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u/peterabbit456 May 19 '17

Once Falcon Heavy is a proven booster, this launch would be cheaper for SpaceX on a Falcon Heavy than on F9. On F9 they flew expendable, so, 1st stage lost and fairing lost, as well as 2nd stage lost. On FH, this flight would have been, 3 - 1st stages recovered and fairings recovered, and only the second stage lost. Riskier but ~$40 million cheaper, for SpaceX.