Spacex makes the headlines

The exploding images of Spacex's launcher hit the mainstream media's front pages around the globe. Behind those images is an  industry that will feel the aftershocks of that explosion for some time to come.

There are many executives today that will be rewriting their business plans, as the loss of Amos 6 Satellite has far reaching consequenses for many companies in many markets.

In the past we have seen other Launch Providers address unreliability issues and bounce back. Arianespace experienced such, the then CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall brought in new processes to ensure quality control for Ariane 5. It worked, Arianespace became the reliable force it is today, however it came at a price as the launcher became a premium rate carrier. We are all waiting to see how Spacex responds to this latest hurdle that it has to face. 

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Emergency Operations personnel responded to the explosion at Space Launch Complex 40 at approximately 9:07 a.m. 1 Sept. According to SpaceX, there was an anomaly during a standard pre-launch static fire test for the AMOS-6 mission, which resulted in a loss of the vehicle and payload. The anomaly originated around the upper stage oxygen tank and occurred during propellant loading of the vehicle. Per standard safety operating procedure, all personnel were cleared of the complex at the time of the explosion and there were no personnel injuries. 

"Days like today are difficult for many reasons," said Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander. "There was the potential for things to be a lot worse; however, due to our processes and procedures no one was injured as a result of this incident. I am proud of our team and how we managed today's response and our goal moving forward will be to assist and provide support wherever needed. Space is inherently dangerous and because of that, the Air Force is always ready." 

First responders from CCAFS reacted quickly to secure the area surrounding the pad and ensured there were no hazardous effects to the public. This area will remain secure through tomorrow morning to ensure all fires are completely out and the pad is safe. 

A team of Air Force experts from the 45th Space Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Fire Department and Environmental Health personnel held the perimeter of the launch complex in order to access the situation from a closer vantage point throughout the day. EOD Airmen are trained to detect, dispose and render safe any possible explosive threats while Environmental Health personnel continue to monitor the air quality to ensure it is safe for emergency responders and the general public. Fire department personnel report the fire on the pad is now out and range safety officials are working to secure things for the evening. 

CCAFS emergency management personnel continue to stress that safety is paramount and will remain the highest priority throughout the response effort. 

Eutelsat Communications regrets the loss of Spacecom’s AMOS-6 satellite following the launch pad explosion today of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in Cape Canaveral. In collaboration with Facebook, Eutelsat had contracted a multi-year agreement to lease the satellite’s Ka-band payload covering Sub-Saharan Africa, with a view to launching broadband services from early 2017.

Eutelsat remains committed to growing broadband in Africa and will explore other options to serve the needs of key clients ahead of the launch of its own full-High Throughput African broadband satellite, due in 2019.

The impact on revenues is estimated at around €5 million in FY 2016-17, €15 million in FY 2017-18 and €25-30 million in FY 2018-19. Attendant savings in operating costs will partially mitigate the impact on the EBITDA margin. All financial objectives published on 29 July 2016 are confirmed.