No, it can't. There is no west coast capability in March for Spacex to offer.
Elon: .... Over forty launches manifested by the end of the year.
If SpaceX's stated intention (according to http://www.transterrestrial.com/?p=27574) is to have the west coast capability available in 2012, is it only sufficient for selection if and only if the capability is available in March 2011?
Intentions are not good enough for procurement.
Quote from: someguy on 12/30/2010 07:45 pmIf SpaceX's stated intention (according to http://www.transterrestrial.com/?p=27574) is to have the west coast capability available in 2012, is it only sufficient for selection if and only if the capability is available in March 2011?Intentions are not good enough for procurement.
Quote from: Jim on 12/30/2010 08:48 pmQuote from: someguy on 12/30/2010 07:45 pmIf SpaceX's stated intention (according to http://www.transterrestrial.com/?p=27574) is to have the west coast capability available in 2012, is it only sufficient for selection if and only if the capability is available in March 2011?Intentions are not good enough for procurement.At least the CONAE contracts with SpaceX require polar orbits on a Falcon 9. So they are already contractually bind. I'm sure they offer the Vandenberg launch option and that's why they have the use of SLC-4E.
CONAE (Argentina) 2012 Falcon 9 Vandenberg**CONAE (Argentina)2013Falcon 9Vandenberg****Or Kwajalein, depending on range availability
So is the end of Dnepr good news for Falcon 1e?http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23691.msg0#new
Please correct me, but didn't Delta 4 Heavy had a contract before being built?
For the love of Pete, please stop believing the manifest on the SpaceX web site.
Note the details on SpaceX's launch manifest. Vandenberg isn't the only option, apparently:-QuoteCONAE (Argentina) 2012 Falcon 9 Vandenberg**CONAE (Argentina)2013Falcon 9Vandenberg****Or Kwajalein, depending on range availability
Quote from: Jim on 12/30/2010 08:48 pmIntentions are not good enough for procurement.Unless it is an in-house NASA HSF effort, in which case it can go right on the critical path...
Quote from: Antares on 01/03/2011 06:14 amFor the love of Pete, please stop believing the manifest on the SpaceX web site.Ignoring the dates, are you saying that I shouldn't believe that SpaceX have a contract to launch two SAOCOM satellites, or that Vandenberg or Kwajalein are launch possibilities?
Quote from: MP99 on 01/03/2011 02:07 pmQuote from: Antares on 01/03/2011 06:14 amFor the love of Pete, please stop believing the manifest on the SpaceX web site.Ignoring the dates, are you saying that I shouldn't believe that SpaceX have a contract to launch two SAOCOM satellites, or that Vandenberg or Kwajalein are launch possibilities?I know that the SAOCOM are way behind schedule, we'd be lucky if the first launch is 2014 (I see more 2015). They are developing a synthetic aperture radar on the L-Band. They still have to flight the prototype on a plane. So the payload will be late. Argentina usually chooses cheap and functional, we simply can't afford fast.But the contract exists and a first down payment was made.
And: when things are still in early planning and haven't been decided, the options are nearly infinite. Why stop at VAFB and Kwaj? Kodiak? Chile? Brazoria County? Nova Scotia? Puerto Rico?
What's more, you are underestimating the general devaluation of the dollar. If you expected a price of 27M in 2003/4 that easily translates to 40M today, and about 47M for 2015.
But regrettably that's the price you'll pay for your fiscal deficit and lax bank regulation. I real pity since you used to were a beacon of true capitalism to the rest of the world.