The cost of launching a full payload using a Falcon 9 rocket reaches $60 million, which cuts off small companies from access to space. To make launching satellites into orbit accessible to a wider range of customers, SpaceX and allowed you to reserve a seat on the rocket using... online booking!
Appeared on the SpaceX website to place an order for launching satellites into space. At the same time, the price of the entrance ticket has become two times lower, decreasing from last year's $2 million for the minimum available unit of payload volume to $1 million. For $1 million, 440 pounds of payload (approximately 200 kg) can be launched into orbit. Cargo can be insured for up to $2 million.
The proposed smallsat rideshare program will allow small companies to collectively send cargo into orbit. The cost of booking an order is only $5000. The application form allows for the choice of launch time and launch vehicle version. It is planned to carry out such prefabricated launches four times a year. The first launch may take place this summer.
The smallsat rideshare program involves launching satellites into sun-synchronous orbit. In the future, options for launching into other orbits will be proposed: translunar, low-Earth and geo-transfer. The price of the issue remains open.
Small satellite operators can now book their ride to orbit online →
- SpaceX (@SpaceX)
After approval of the submitted application, SpaceX will send the customer a “welcome” package describing next steps. This is not at all like booking a plane ticket from one city to another, but it’s already similar. Putting satellites into orbit has become a little easier, more convenient and cheaper.
Source: 3dnews.ru