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Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX operates from many pads, on the East Coast of the US they operate from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. They also operate from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, usually for polar launches. Another launch site is being developed at Boca Chica, Texas.
Thaicom 8 will be launched into a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) on a Falcon 9 Full Trust for a 30 days testing phase following a in orbit burn of the satellite propulsion system to put the spacecraft into a geosynchronous orbit (GSO)at 78.5 degrees east longitude. Where Thaicom 8 will provide broadcast and data services for up to 15 years. The Falcon 9 first stage will test a experimental ballistic landing off the coast where it is schedule to land on the Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship (ASDS). Even if the landing fails the knowledge learned from the attempt will help for future missions.
Height 71.00 Meters
Max Stages 2
Mass To GTO 8305 kg
Liftoff Thrust 6804 kN
Diameter 3.65 Meters
Mass To LEO 22800 kg
Liftoff Mass 546 Tonnes
Launch Success 24
Consecutive Success 16
Maiden Flight 2015-12-22
Launch Failures 1
Serial B1023
Status retired
Flight Proven Yes
Flights 2
Landing Attempt Yes
Landing Success Yes
Type ASDS
Location OCISLY