Usually when Stuff looks at private space company SpaceX it is to marvel at the progress of their Grasshopper VTOL rocket development but the company is more that just test-flights. SpaceX have, following delays brought on by equipment anomalies, succeeded in their first geostationary transfer mission by putting the SES-8 satellite into orbit.
SpaceX’s mission was delayed several times from last week, due to strange readings and problems with the turbopump gas generators that necessitated cleaning before a launch could be re-attempted.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said in a statement “The successful insertion of the SES-8 satellite confirms the upgraded Falcon 9 launch vehicle delivers to the industry’s highest performance standards.”
“As always, SpaceX remains committed to delivering the safest, most reliable launch vehicles on the market today. We appreciate SES’s early confidence in SpaceX and look forward to launching additional SES satellites in the years to come.”
Source: Ars Technica Image: SpaceX