This is a major coup for SpaceX.
Funny, SpaceX hasn't put the press release on there web page yet... Good news for them.
@SpaceXer SpaceXThai satellite company THAICOM has chosen SpaceX to launch new Thaicom 6 telecom satellite into GTO from Cape Canaveral in 2013.6 minutes ago via web
@SpaceXer SpaceXThaicom is the eighth non-U.S. customer manifested for upcoming flights aboard the Falcon 9.1 minute ago via web
Quote from: Danderman on 06/13/2011 02:59 pmThis is a major coup for SpaceX.The coup is getting somebody to believe that they can launch 6-8 missions before this one.
I don't think you can launch 40-50 satellites when you have 1-2 launches a year.
Orbital's press release doesn't even mention Space-X as the launch provider.
It looks like this press release has been posted on the SpaceX website.How can SpaceX handle another customer? I don't think you can launch 40-50 satellites when you have 1-2 launches a year.
Will SpaceX finally have the Fairing developed for the F9 by 2013? Is 2 calendar years enough time with all the other distractions they have going on?
I used to get excited at these announcements, not any more. All I care about any more are milestones for COTS/CRS and launches, everything else is just PR.
I agree. More paying customers (no doubt paying some in advance) is definitely better for SpaceX. Besides the advance payment, they can also use this contracted business to go to a bank and get the capital that they need to further their business.They are definitely taking much longer than I'd wish to get their launch rate to a respectable level (6 flights a year), but by having another customer sign up, they now have more working capital with which to increase their launch frequency... if that means hiring more people, expanding their manufacturing facilities, expanding their test facilities, etc.This news is definitely good news for SpaceX.(But they had better buckle down and get 'er done!!!)