AC

SpaceX announced its first commercial contract Tuesday to launch a heavy-lift rocket still in development. The Falcon Heavy will launch an Intelsat communications satellite to geosynchronous orbit, according to a news release. The timing of the launch and value of the contract were not specified. SpaceX says it offers Falcon Heavy launches for $80 million to $125 million. SpaceX is building a Falcon Heavy launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The first version of the rocket is expected to arrive there late this year and launch a first test flight next year. Featuring three core Falcon 9 boosters strapped together, SpaceX's says the Falcon Heavy will be the most powerful rocket since the Saturn V, blasting off with 3.8 million pounds of thrust from 27 engines first-stage engines. "SpaceX is very proud to have the confidence of Intelsat, a leader in the satellite communication services industry," said Elon Musk, SpaceX chief executive and chief designer, said in a...