SpaceX is getting more work, which is good news for its rocket-testing plant in McGregor.

California-based SpaceX announced Tuesday it has signed a contract to launch an Earth observation satellite for the National Space Organization, which is the civilian space agency of Taiwan.

The satellite is called Formosat-5, and it will provide images for civilian users and also may carry instruments to conduct space research and scientific experiments, SpaceX said.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 test rocket lifts off earlier this month in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
John Raoux/Associated Press

“The launch of Formosat-5 will build on the successful launch and operation of the Formosat satellites,” program manager H.P. Chang said in a statement. “SpaceX’s approach to launch services is very well aligned with our goals and objectives for the program.”

Formosat-5 is scheduled to launch as early as December 2013 from SpaceX’s launch site on Omelek Island in the Pacific Ocean, about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii.

SpaceX, which is short for Space Exploration Technologies, would not reveal the size of the contract.

The company, founded in 2002, already has proved to be an economic boon for McGregor. “We’re up to more than 130 employees there and are still growing,” Spokeswoman Emily Shanklin said.

SpaceX has received a contract from NASA worth $1.6 billion that involves using its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft to carry cargo to the International Space Station.

Company officials June 4 celebrated the successful launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla., that achieved Earth orbit nine minutes into the flight.

SpaceX reportedly also is in the running to haul astronauts to the space station, but company founder Elon Musk said he will need a cash infusion of another $1 billion to prepare for that task.

President Barack Obama is redirecting America’s space program. He killed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s plan to return astronauts to the moon and wants to spend money on new rocket technology involving private companies like SpaceX. Published reports have indicated Congress is not entirely sold on Obama’s approach.

Still, Shanklin said, “We have more than doubled our size in Texas in the last 18 months, and we are still hiring. Every new contract means more work for the McGregor plant, where all propulsion and structural testing is done.”

Shanklin said people interested in applying for work can visit www.spacex.com/careers.php.

SpaceX now has more than 40 flights scheduled for commercial and government clients through 2015.

mcopeland@wacotrib.com

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