SpaceX cleared for US military launches

.

Space Industry and Business News

.

SpaceX cleared for US military launches
by Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) May 28, 2015

The US Air Force has certified private company SpaceX to launch military satellites, opening the doors to a lucrative market previously held solely by a Lockheed and Boeing joint venture.

With the clearance SpaceX can compete for military space contracts valued by US authorities at $9.5 billion over the next five years.

As soon as June SpaceX could bid for the military's new GPS satellite launches, the Air Force said.

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said the certification was a "very important milestone" for the Defense Department, allowing competition for launches for the first time in a decade.

Founded in 2002, SpaceX is controlled by billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company has grown rapidly to become a leader in commercial space launches and for US space agency NASA.

SpaceX has made numerous cargo flights to resupply the International Space Station and is preparing for a manned flight.

SpaceX competes with France-based Arianespace, which complains of not having access to US government contracts.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

.

Related Links
Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com

Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks

SpaceX cargo ship returns to Earth in ocean splashdown
Miami (AFP) May 21, 2015
SpaceX's unmanned Dragon supply ship left the International Space Station Thursday and hours later splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, NASA said. The Dragon began its journey back to Earth at 7:04 am (1104 GMT), when the US space agency broadcast images of the white capsule floating away from the space station's robotic arm. The vessel, aided by parachutes, sp ... read more

New computational technique advances color 3D printing process

Simulations predict flat liquid

Turn that defect upside down

India to test its home-made multi-object tracking radar next month

IOC status for upgraded French AWACS aircraft

Russian Radio-Electronic Forces to Conduct Drills in Armenian Mountains

Thales granted multiple-award IDIQ contract for Army radios

German ships receiving Indra's satellite communications terminals

Mexico Wanted to Cancel Satellite Launch on Russian Carrier Rocket

SpaceX cleared for US military launches

DirecTV-15 and SKY Mexico-1 go for May 27 Ariane 5 heavy-lift

Initial Ariane 5 assembly completed for July launch of dual payloads

Satellites make a load of difference to bridge safety

Advanced Navigation Releases Interface and Logging Unit

Raytheon delivers hardware for next-gen USAF GPS system

Russia, China Agree on Joint Exploitation of Glonass Navigation Systems

Brazilian Navy receives modernized A-4 Skyhawk

Aussie E-7A Wedgetails gain Full Operational Capability status

New F-35 work for Kongsberg Defense

Australia touts industry's contribution to F-35 program

Advance in quantum error correction

Avago buys Broadcom in $37 bn chipmaker tie-up

One step closer to a single-molecule device

Collaboration could lead to biodegradable computer chips

NASA Soil Moisture Mission Begins Science Operations

In the Field: SMAP Gathers Soil Data in Australia

Mischief makers prompt Google to halt public map edits

Space technology identifies vulnerable regions in West Africa

Greenpeace India vows to win 'malicious' funds battle

Wetlands continue to reduce nitrates

Bacteria the newest tool in detecting environmental damage

Mining pollution alters fish genetics in southwest England

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.