[Satellite TODAY 03-16-10] SpaceX received a contract to launch a Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as early as 2012, SpaceX announced March. 15.
    The contract represents SpaceX’s 24th Falcon 9 mission on its future flight manifest.
    “We are working closely with SpaceX to ensure the success of a 1300 launch based on our many years of experience. With numerous Falcon 9 launches on their manifest over the next two years, we are assured of a successful flight history in advance of our mission,” SS/L President John Celli said in a statement.
    Separately, SpaceX completed a successful static fire of the inaugural Falcon 9 launch vehicle at Space Launch Complex 40 located at Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch sequencer commanded ignition of all nine Merlin first stage engines for a period of 3.5 seconds.
    The test validated the launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems, as well as the ground and flight control software that controls pad and launch vehicle configurations.  The Falcon 9 is in preparations to carry a Dragon spacecraft qualification unit to orbit for NASA.

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