SpaceX signs largest single commercial launch deal ever -- $492 million

Every once in a while I get too bogged down in software and forget what much of the rest of the world deals with: $2 billion in capital for a product launch. Jeepers.

SpaceX is, in my opinion, the most interesting company operating today. Bar none. I'm very excited to see where they go.

Very cool. I wonder how fast SpaceX's success will encourage other private companies to try their hand at building rockets.<p>Anyone knows what their profit margins are like so far?

This is exciting, hopefully space programs continue to go in the private direction.

I'd love to hear about the insurance underwriter. How do you assess the risk?

The claim "largest single commercial launch deal" is somehow a bit marketing. A launch deal often includes multiple launches of satellite for a multiple years contract. Looking at Arianespace yearly turnover (more than 1000 MEUR in 2009) or ILS, the deal is high but still inline with existing launch deal. Arianespace made 6 launches in 2009 including ESA/research satellite... for a turnover of 1 Billion EUR. We could assume the price of a launch is around 100-200 MEUR... The SpaceX launch will include multiple satellite in one launch. So we are still at a comparable cost for the launch (especially knowing the insurance cost too...).

Tesla IPO, SpaceX signing this deal... good times for Elon Musk.

Well the space launching is interesting but I want to hear something about what the NEXT will be able to do. Will it have a broadband global coverage? That would be pretty awesome! So that they wouldn't have to use so many modems for stuff like this: <a href="http://www.dailywireless.org/2007/11/03/artic-expedition-live-iridium-video/" rel="nofollow">http://www.dailywireless.org/2007/11/03/artic-expedition-liv...</a>

I'm surprised Iridium has to replace its satellites already. Seems like an incredibly expensive business for them if they have to replace their satellites so often.

Ever since discovering that SpaceX was going to charge around 1/3rd what the Russians charge per kg to GTO I've been waiting to see an increase in launches.

congratulations to the folks at SpaceX!

Finally!!! I have very big hopes for what this means in terms of propelling man off into space.