Ex-Im OKs $80.7M in Backing to SpaceX Launch for Hispasat

The Export-Import Bank's board approved $80.7 million in financing in the form of a loan or loan guarantee to support a SpaceX launch for Hispasat of its Amazonas Nexus satellite, plus initial in-orbit insurance for the satellite operator. Ex-Im said Monday the deal is the first financing of a satellite-related export since 2015. It said Hispasat was unable to get long-term financing for the transaction from commercial lenders. “This transaction signals the return of EXIM in support of the U.S. satellite-related industry," said Ex-Im Acting Vice Chairman James Cruse. "The need for export credit agency support is well-established in this industry, and the availability of EXIM’s financing enables SpaceX and other U.S. exporters to remain competitive."