ORBCOMM and SpaceX Set Plans to Launch Satellites on Next Falcon 9 Launch

ORBCOMM Inc. and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) announced plans to carry the first two ORBCOMM next-generation OG2 satellites to orbit on the next Falcon 9 launch this year.

Falcon 9 is a two-stage launch vehicle powered by liquid oxygen and rocket grade kerosene (RP-1) capable of delivering 10,450 kg (23,050 lb) to low-Earth orbit and 4,540 kg (10,000 lb) to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). The nine Merlin engines on the first stage generate more than one million pounds of thrust at liftoff and allow the launch vehicle to perform as planned even with one or two of the engines out. Falcon 9 was designed from the ground up by SpaceX for the reliable and cost-efficient transport of satellites to low Earth orbit and GTO as well as for sending SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft to orbiting destinations such as the International Space Station.

The ORBCOMM OG2 satellites are being manufactured by an industry team led by Sierra Nevada Corp and Boeing’s Argon ST subsidiary. A total of 18 ORBCOMM next-generation OG2 satellites are currently in production. ORBCOMM OG2 satellites will offer enhanced ORBCOMM messaging capabilities, increased capacity, and automatic identification systems (AIS) service. The planned Falcon 9 launch will place ORBCOMM’s first two OG2 satellites into a 52° inclined 350 by 750 km insertion orbit. The satellites’ onboard propulsion systems will then be used to circulize the orbit at 750 km.