CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
2 October 2008
Implementation Investments
SpaceX Launches into Space with Siemens PLM Software’s Technology
Siemens PLM Software announced that Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), a privately-held leading space launch vehicle developer and services provider, standardized on NX™ and Teamcenter® software for product design, simulation and product data management.
NX, Siemens PLM Software’s comprehensive digital product development portfolio, enables SpaceX to integrate all aspects of the design-through-manufacturing process. NX will allow knowledge-based engineering methods to enhance the ability to effectively leverage information across the enterprise. In addition, the superior simulation functionality will enable SpaceX to predict product performance in the design phase which is crucial for the mission-critical space launch industry.
Teamcenter, Siemens PLM Software’s digital lifecycle management solution will enable SpaceX to effectively manage design data and specifications as the industry continues to mature and new products are added to the mix. Teamcenter will serve as the single source of product record and enhance efficiency and collaboration while reducing development costs.
SpaceX is supported by both Siemens PLM Software and Saratech Inc., a certified platinum business partner with extensive PLM expertise.
“As a winner of the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services competition (COTS), SpaceX needs to deliver cost effective launch solutions to help fill the gap when the Space Shuttle retires in 2010 and we needed a PLM solution that would provide a strong, dynamic design foundation,” said Chris Thompson, Vice President of Structures, SpaceX. “The high-end design and simulation technology of NX supported by a robust Teamcenter backbone combined with Saratech’s industry expertise made Siemens PLM Software the right choice.”
“Being a key partner to Siemens PLM Software allows Saratech to effectively deliver the software, support and services necessary to realize SpaceX’s PLM vision,” said Saeed Paydarfar, CEO, Saratech Inc.
“Space transportation is a growing market and we are thrilled that leaders like SpaceX see the benefits that Siemens PLM Software’s technology combined with Saratech’s industry expertise can provide,” said Dave Shook, senior vice president and managing director, Americas, Siemens PLM Software. “NX and Teamcenter provide best-in-class solutions with the ability to support future growth and help customers enhance efficiency and reduce cost to bring innovative products to marketer faster.”
About SpaceX
SpaceX is developing a family of launch vehicles intended to reduce the cost and increase the reliability of both manned and unmanned space transportation ultimately by a factor of ten. With its Falcon line of launch vehicles, powered by internally developed Merlin engines, SpaceX is able to offer light, medium and heavy lift capabilities to deliver spacecraft into any altitude and inclination, from low-Earth orbit to geosynchronous to planetary missions. SpaceX currently has 14 missions on its manifest plus indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts with NASA and the US Air Force.
As a winner of the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services competition (COTS), SpaceX is in a position to help fill the gap when the Space Shuttle retires in 2010. Under the existing contract, SpaceX will conduct three flights of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft for NASA, culminating in Dragon berthing with the International Space Station (ISS) and returning to Earth. NASA also has a contract option on Falcon 9 / Dragon to provide crew services to the ISS after Shuttle retirement.
Founded in 2002, the SpaceX team now numbers nearly 500, located mostly in Hawthorne, with four additional locations; SpaceX's Texas Test Facility in McGregor Texas outside of Waco, offices in Washington DC, and launch facilities at Cape Canaveral, Florida and the Marshall Islands in the Central Pacific.
About Saratech
Saratech, Inc. provides Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions to support customers in the aerospace, automotive, hi-tech and medical industries. It provides customers world-class software tools along with services and support. Saratech, Inc. is headquartered Southern California with regional offices across the United States with the resources of over 100 dedicated sales and technical professionals.
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