The Space Transportation Association is pleased to welcome the Space
Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) as a new corporate member.
The El
Segundo, California based firm started operations this June. The firm is
developing the Falcon expendable launch vehicle. Currently, the initial
Falcon vehicles will be in-line stacked 2-stage launchers capable of
injecting one half ton to low Earth orbit. The Falcon is an all-liquid
expendable with all new LOX/Kerosene engines being designed and developed.
First launch of Falcon 1 is targeted from VAFB in late 2003. Falcon is
eventually to serve as a family of expendable launchers, with the next
variant to be designed featuring three stages to higher orbits and
servicing heavier payloads. A heavy-lift Falcon in the Atlas V and Delta IV
class is under design for future advanced space exploration goals.
STA welcomes SpaceX into its ranks and looks forward to adding its name to
the list of member companies providing launch services.
Frank Sietzen, Jr.
President
Space Transportation Association
