Iridium to use previously-flown Falcon 9 stages on upcoming launches
Posted: Sun, Oct 22, 2017, 11:24 AM ET (1524 GMT)
Iridium will launch its next two sets of next-generation satellites on Falcon 9 rockets with previously flown first stages. Iridium had planned to use new rockets for all eight of its launches, but the company said switching to reused boosters will help it stay on schedule for launching the remainder of its satellites by mid-2018. Iridium will also see some unspecified cost savings by using previously flown boosters. The next launch, the fourth in the series for the Iridium Next program, is scheduled for Dec. 22 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Iridium will launch its next two sets of next-generation satellites on Falcon 9 rockets with previously flown first stages. Iridium had planned to use new rockets for all eight of its launches, but the company said switching to reused boosters will help it stay on schedule for launching the remainder of its satellites by mid-2018. Iridium will also see some unspecified cost savings by using previously flown boosters. The next launch, the fourth in the series for the Iridium Next program, is scheduled for Dec. 22 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Senate seeks to add $10 billion to NASA human spaceflight programs
Posted: Sat, Jun 7 10:46 AM ET (1446 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, June 17
ULA Scrubs Kuiper 2 Launch To Assess Engine Purge Issue
Aviation Week — 1:09 am ET (0509 GMT) SpaceX rocket illuminates sky with comet-like trail across Arizona
KOLD-TV Tucson — 1:08 am ET (0508 GMT) SpaceX rocket launch creates spectacular light show visible from southern Utah
KSTU-TV Salt Lake City — 1:08 am ET (0508 GMT) SpaceX rocket carrying Starlink satellites lights up Southern California sky
KTLA-TV Los Angeles — 1:07 am ET (0507 GMT) SpaceX launch seen from San Diego area
KUSI-TV San Diego — 1:07 am ET (0507 GMT) |
