SpaceX wins second GPS launch contract
Date: Friday, March 17 @ 06:50:35 UTC Topic:
Space X has won it's second contract to launch the next generation of GPS satellites beating United Launch Alliance (ULA) to secure the $96m deal.
It's the first time Space X has beaten ULA. As we reported back in August 2016, ULA did not compete for the first contract as its Atlas 5 launcher was not expected to be ready in time. ULA has been the launch partner for 12 of the current GPS satellites so the loss of this contract will be a big blow to the company, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
The launch is expected to take place early 2019 and it is likely that they will use their Falcon launch vehicle which has a first stage that can land back on earth for re-use.
Source: spacex.com
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