SpaceX Launches Second Asian Telecom Satellite
After pushing back the mission for almost two weeks, due to the aborted but unrelated test flight of one of its other rockets, California-based SpaceX has successfully launched a new telecommunications satellite , the AsiaSat 6.
A Falcon 9 rocket -- the workhorse for the fleet developed and operated by commercial space transport company SpaceX, or Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, took off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Sunday, Sept. 7, reported the Washington Post.
"SpaceX successfully launched the AsiaSat 6 satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 1:00 a.m. EDT from SpaceX's Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Approximately 32 minutes after launch, AsiaSat 6 deployed successfully, and AsiaSat established contact with the satellite shortly thereafter," read a mission update posted on the company's Website.
The Falcon 9 rocket model has previously been used for three successful cargo deliveries to the International Space Station, as well as the successful early August delivery to space of a first AsiaSat orbiter, the AsiaSat 8, which is used to provide television and broadband coverage for the Asia-Pacific region.
"This marks the twelfth successful flight in a row for Falcon 9, and the second of two successful missions for AsiaSat this summer," continued the SpaceX posting.
Launching an orbiter into space requires pretty much perfect timing, so that the satellite on board is able to position itself into its intended orbit, according to the Post.
That said, the launch window for the AsiaSat 6 lift-off had to take place between 12:50 a.m. and 4:04 a.m.
Then, weather conditions also needed to be favorable; in other words, clear.
The Falcon 9 managed to blast off before local authorities issued a lightning storm warning for the area, which could have further delayed the mission start.
The company's overarching goal is to develop a reusable launch vehicle that's deemed safe for manned missions.
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