Thales + SpaceX Gains Another Contract… Aboard A Big Bird, The Falcon 9

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) was awarded a contract with Thales Alenia Space to launch Turkmenistan NSSC to geostationary transfer orbit in late-2014 or early 2015 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

Space Exploration Technologies’ (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket

“We appreciate Thales’ confidence in our ability to safely deliver Turkmenistan’s first satellite to orbit,” said Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX President and COO. “We are pleased to see the market expand with new entrants, and SpaceX looks forward to leveraging the world’s most reliable and advanced rockets for customers across the globe.”

The satellite will enable Turkmenistan to operate its first National System of Satellite Communications in order to secure and enhance the country’s communication means.

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets.

Today, SpaceX is advancing the boundaries of space technology through its Falcon launch vehicles and Dragon spacecraft. SpaceX is a private company owned by management and employees, with minority investments from Founders Fund, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Valor Equity Partners. The company has more than 3,000 employees in California, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Florida.