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
|
|
Manufacturing defect blamed for lost nozzle on second Vulcan launch
Posted: Sun, Mar 16 3:21 PM ET (1921 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Monday, March 17
SpaceX Crew Dragon arrives at ISS to rescue stranded astronauts
UPI — 1:00 am ET (0500 GMT) Sunday, March 16
South Korea creates Mars task force to advance space exploration and cooperation
Chosun Ilbo — 12:58 am ET (0458 GMT) Centre has approved Chandrayaan-5 mission: ISRO chief
PTI — 12:55 am ET (0455 GMT) India’s space startups tap ISRO veterans to reach next level
The Economic Times (India) — 12:55 am ET (0455 GMT) NASA Schedules Quick Return of Astronauts in SpaceX Capsule
New York Times — 12:53 am ET (0453 GMT) |
