Wednesday, February 1, 2017

SpaceX Signs New Contract With Iridium, Sets Launch To ISS

Hawthorne-based SpaceX has signed another contract with satellite constellation operator Iridium Communications, for the launch of as many as five additional satellites for its satellite network. Separately, the next launch by SpaceX appears to be from Florida, of a NASA payload to the International Space Station. In the Iridium Communications announcement, Iridium said it will send as many as five satellites into space alongside a seaprately payload from NASA, which is expected in early 2018 from Vandenberg Air Force Base north of Santa Barbara. Over the weekend, SpaceX said its next launch will be of a supply ship to the International Space Station, at a rented launchpad from NASA. That mission will be the tenth resupply mission by SpaceX to the ISS since 2012.