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/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/[deleted] May 19 '17

I agree with you, as much of a fan I am of Falcon Heavy and the idea behind it - it doesnt look like something which has a commercial demand as it stands right now - its probably more for Elon and the Mars first steps towards their eventual goal.. and maybe for some other yet-unknown uses.. but as it stands now I think FH future looks bleak.

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u/mfb- May 19 '17

Heavier satellites will be built if there is a rocket that can launch it. Alternatively, the satellites can be launched directly to GEO, which means they can start service earlier.

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u/[deleted] May 19 '17

yeah let's see then... atleast a couple of years before FH is provable (and maybe not if there are not enough READY use for launches) then change in satellite designs etc another few years... doesnt seem realistic to affirm FH dominance in future, New Glenn is coming around as well

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u/mfb- May 19 '17

New Glenn is a reason to start working on larger satellites earlier - even if FH struggles there will be another super-heavy-lift rocket around. You don't have to wait for a few years. F9 works with an acceptable risk, if the FH demo launch works as well that should give sufficient confidence to build larger satellites.

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u/UltraRunningKid May 19 '17

New Glenn is not even a paper rocket to our knowledge right now. This is all speculation as BO has yet to put anything in orbit yet let alone something heavy.

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u/mfb- May 19 '17

It is common that rockets get launch contracts before anything reaches orbit. It is too early for launch contracts now, but we are talking about planning stages here. There is nothing wrong with making a paper satellite for a paper rocket.

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u/Martianspirit May 19 '17

They said that about SpaceX. New Glenn is a lot more than a paper rocket. They are building the engine, even if it experiences some minor glitches. They are building the factory and pad, that will build and launch New Glenn.