Artist’s rendition of the Falcon Heavy rocket. Photo: SpaceX

[Via Satellite 09-18-2015] SpaceX has received a contract from Saudi Arabia based satellite operator Arabsat for the launch of Arabsat 6A aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket. The mission is planned for 2018.

Under construction by Lockheed Martin, Arabsat 6A will be located at 30.5 degrees east. This satellite, along with Hellas-Sat 4/SaudiGeoSat 1, will grow the operator’s fleet to 10 in-orbit operational satellites, providing TV, radio and broadband services.

SpaceX expects to launch the satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. With these additions, SpaceX currently has more than 60 missions on manifest with the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, representing more than $7 billion under contract. Other Falcon Heavy customers include Intelsat, Inmarsat, ViaSat and the U.S. Air Force.