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SpaceX will need to pay up for its destruction of an AMOS-6 satellite:
SpaceX may be on the hook to compensate Space Communication Ltd. (Spacecom) for the satellite that was destroyed during the explosion of a Falcon 9 rocket — either with a free trip or $50 million, according to Reuters .
The construction, launch preparation and operation of the AMOS-6 satellite, which would have been used to "significantly expand the variety of communications services provided by Spacecom," reportedly cost the company more than $195 million. The officials from the company also noted that it could also collect upwards of $205 million from Israel Aircraft Industries, which built the satellite. SpaceX hasn't said what kind of insurance it purchased for the rocket, or what that insurance might pay for, Reuters reported. SpaceX wasn't immediately available for comment.
The failure of the launch may also kill a deal for Beijing Xinwei Technology Group to acquire Spacecom.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by frojack on Monday September 05 2016, @05:54PM
Looking at the pictures, the rocket exploded well above the engines, possibly in the satellite's own final orbit booster, which I suspect SpaceX had no part in building. The explosion occurred well above the refurbished rocket, just about where the second stage mates with the payload.
Then of course there is the conspiracy theory about a drone (more fun and exciting to call it a UFO) flying near the rocket at the time. The Mirror [mirror.co.uk]. (Hey, its the Mirror, ok? Take it or leave it.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 2) by TheB on Tuesday September 06 2016, @11:11PM
AMOS-6 was not using a "flight-proven" rocket.
The first reuse of a Falcon 9 rocket was scheduled for the SES-10 mission. [wikipedia.org]