[June 01, 2012] Intelsat Inks Commercial Falcon Heavy Launch Pact with SpaceX Tweet Jun 01, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Intelsat, a provider of satellite services, and Space Exploration Technologies, a space launch company, announced the first commercial contract for the Falcon Heavy rocket. "SpaceX is very proud to have the confidence of Intelsat, a leader in the satellite communication services industry," said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and Chief Designer. "The Falcon Heavy has more than twice the power of the next largest rocket in the world. With this new vehicle, SpaceX launch systems now cover the entire spectrum of the launch needs for commercial, civil and national security customers." "Timely access to space is an essential element of our commercial supply chain," said Thierry Guillemin, Intelsat CTO. "As a global leader in the satellite sector, our support of successful new entrants to the commercial launch industry reduces risk in our business model. Intelsat has exacting technical standards and requirements for proven flight heritage for our satellite launches. We will work closely with SpaceX as the Falcon Heavy completes rigorous flight tests prior to our future launch requirements." According to a release, this is the first commercial contract for SpaceX's Falcon Heavy launch vehicle. Under the agreement, an Intelsat satellite will be launched into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The company said Falcon Heavy is the most powerful rocket in the world and historically is second only to the Apollo-era Saturn V moon rocket. Capable of lifting 53 metric tons to low Earth orbit and over 12 metric tons to GTO, Falcon Heavy will provide more than twice the performance to low Earth orbit of any other launch vehicle. More information: www.SpaceX.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]