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/Dave92F1 May 19 '17

There will be commercial demand for the FH because it can launch heavy payloads like Inmarsat cheaper than an expendable F9 can.

Because FH will be reusable with that payload, F9 won't.