SpaceX, the American private space transportation company, could soon take on some of the US government’s highest priority satellite missions. According to the information conveyed, the US Space Force is said to have given SpaceX the necessary approvals to use Falcon Heavy rockets equipped with reusable boosters in their missions.
The US Space Force and government previously carried out their own space and orbital missions with different companies. However, with SpaceX’s reusable Falcon Heavy rockets, more heavily loaded missions can be performed and costs can be saved. According to the Space Force’s statement, over $64 million has been saved thanks to the Falcon 9 rockets currently used in missions.
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Falcon Heavy will carry larger spy satellites
While it is stated that the certification process required for SpaceX has been carried out in June, but the approval has not been announced so far, it is aimed to perform more heavily loaded spy satellite missions thanks to Falcon Heavy rockets. The first Falcon Heavy-based flight is expected to take place between October and December 2022.
SpaceX’s cost advantage also deals serious blows to other rival rocket manufacturers. United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed-Martin, has not yet received similar approval for Blue Origin rockets. On the other hand, the USA is planning 39 missions between 2025 and 2027.