How does a company launch a satellites?

Asked by RocketSquid (3483

) November 22nd, 2009

When a company that uses satellites needs to launch one (for, say, GPS, Cell Phones, TV, anything) how do they go about doing it? Do they launch it themselves, contract through NASA, rent from NASA, or some other company?

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4 Answers

NASA contract. They pay part of the launch expense.

They can also rent satellite time from the Government.

DrBill (16066

)“Great Answer” (3

) Flag as…

There are a surprising number of options available. I am probably missing somebody, but here are some ways to get your satellite into orbit.

Goverment programs – US, Russia, India, China, the European Space Agency.
South Korea and Brazil are working on it. North Korea’s claim of success is not widely believed.

Private companies
Arianespace
Boeing Sea Launch
SpaceX
Orbital Sciences Corporation
International Launch Services
Starsem