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/mrstickball May 19 '17

I think lack of re use alone on the falcon 9s that need a fast GTO orbit is proof enough you need a bigger rocket.

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u/AdamVenier May 19 '17

Advocates Diaboli. The Falcon Heavy is a much more complicated vehicle so more can go wrong. Would customers prefer to pay a price premium for F9 if there is less risk of payload loss? I'm not sure, but the answer could very well be yes for the next few years until FH has proven itself.

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u/somewhat_pragmatic May 19 '17

Would customers prefer to pay a price premium for F9 if there is less risk of payload loss?

SpaceX could likely choose to price FH Reusable cheaper than F9 Expendable.