SpaceX and NASA Sign Cooperative Agreement on Human Spaceflight Development

Houston, TX – June 2, 2005 – Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) today announced the signing of a Space Act Agreement with NASA regarding development of human spaceflight hardware. SpaceX and Johnson Space Center (JSC) will identify joint opportunities in pursuit of cost effective human spaceflight systems.   

“This agreement provides a framework for working with NASA on future spaceflight needs in support of low Earth orbit space missions and other steps in the Vision for Space Exploration,” said Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX. “We look forward to working with NASA to create an exciting future in human spaceflight.”

Space Act Agreements are flexible partnerships that allow NASA to work cooperatively with industry to develop and transfer technology in support of national priorities and NASA’s mission. These agreements are collaborative R&D efforts that provide for an ongoing exchange of personnel, use of NASA facilities, expertise, equipment and technology.

About SpaceX

SpaceX is developing a family of launch vehicles intended to increase the reliability and reduce the cost of access to space by a factor of ten.   The maiden flight of the SpaceX Falcon I rocket, carrying a US Defense Department communications satellite, is scheduled to follow the launch of the last Titan IV from Vandenberg Air Force Base.   Assuming an on time departure of the classified Titan IV mission, SpaceX expects a launch window in late summer this year.   The second Falcon I launch will be from the Kwajalein Atoll, also in late summer. More information about SpaceX can be found at SpaceX.com.