SpaceX Launches into Space with Siemens PLM Software

New Delhi, India (SANEPR.com) November 4, 2008 -- Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, today 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 allows knowledge-based engineering methods to enhance the ability to effectively leverage information across the enterprise. In addition, the superior simulation functionality enables 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 and the world’s most widely used PLM portfolio, enables SpaceX to effectively manage design data and specifications as the industry continues to mature and new products are added to the mix. Teamcenter serves 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. The company is dedicated to the success of its customers by providing world-class software tools along with unparalleled services and support. Saratech, Inc. is headquartered in Southern California with regional offices across the United States with the resources of over 100 dedicated sales and technical professionals.

About Siemens PLM Software
Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services with 5.5 million licensed seats and 51,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software’s open enterprise solutions enable a world where organizations and their partners collaborate through Global Innovation Networks to deliver world-class products and services. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.


About Siemens Industry Automation Division
The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg), a division of the Siemens Industry Sector, is a worldwide leader in the fields of automation systems, low-voltage switchgear and industrial software. Its portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industry to solutions for whole industries and systems that encompass the automation of entire automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value added chain of manufacturers – from product design and development to production, sales and a wide range of maintenance services.

Note: Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. NX and Teamcenter are trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks belong to their respective holders.