Space News reports that European satellite operator Eutelsat, which would normally be an Arianespace client, has ordered a satellite launch from SpaceX using its Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The launch order was apparently placed in late 2015. The satellite to be launched has not be identified but it may be the new Eutelsat Quantum. Eutelsat has launched using SpaceX before (Eutelsat 115 West B was launched in March 2015), but that was due to orders placed by the Mexican satellite operating firm Satmex which Eutelsat subsequently acquired. SpaceX is known to offer good launch accuracy at very competitive prices for medium-to-large size communications satellites. Their pricing may become even keener if they can operate their now proven reusable first stage concept economically enough.
