California based Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has completed the primary structure for its Falcon 9 rocket's first stage propellant tank.
This tank will be shipped to the company's test facility in Texas for proof testing, integration of the propulsion system, and a full stage firing to occur later this year. Production of the second tank unit will begin early next month.
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SpaceX has contracts for six Falcon 9 flights. The first is a demonstration flight for a US government customer and is scheduled to lift off in the third quarter of 2008. The sixth flight, scheduled for the third quarter of 2009, carries the company's Dragon capsule and it will attempt to demonstrate delivery of cargo to the International Space Station as part of the NASA Commerical Orbital Transportation Services programme.
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Source: FlightGlobal.com
