Space

SpaceX launches second satellite

SpaceX launches second satellite
SpaceX has launched a second satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit
SpaceX has launched a second satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit
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SpaceX has launched a second satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit
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SpaceX has launched a second satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit
The payload was delivered using the Falcon 9 rocket
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The payload was delivered using the Falcon 9 rocket
Thaicom-6 is a TV and telecoms satellite for communications company Thaicom
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Thaicom-6 is a TV and telecoms satellite for communications company Thaicom
SpaceX has completed over 40 launches
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SpaceX has completed over 40 launches
60 percent of SpaceX launches have been for commercial customers
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60 percent of SpaceX launches have been for commercial customers
The launch counted towards Falcon 9 certification for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program
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The launch counted towards Falcon 9 certification for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program
Qualification for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program will allow SpaceX to compete for US Air Force satellite launch contracts
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Qualification for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program will allow SpaceX to compete for US Air Force satellite launch contracts
The mission marks the beginning of regular launches for SpaceX in 2014
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The mission marks the beginning of regular launches for SpaceX in 2014
View gallery - 8 images

Commercial space company Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has launched a second satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit. Its Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral in Florida and successfully delivered a TV and telecoms satellite for Thai-based communications provider Thaicom into position.

The Thaicom-6 satellite was delivered to an elliptical geosynchronous transfer orbit ranging from 295 km to 90,000 km above the earth at an inclination of 22.5 degrees. The mission is Falcon 9’s second to a geosynchronous transfer orbit, following the launch of the Orbital Sciences GEOStar-2 commercial telecommunications satellite just over a month ago, and marks the start of regular launches planned for SpaceX in 2014.

"Today’s successful launch of the Thaicom-6 satellite marks the eighth successful flight in a row for Falcon 9," Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, said in a press statement. "SpaceX greatly appreciates Thaicom's support throughout this campaign and we look forward to a busy launch schedule in 2014."

The launch was also the third of three qualification flights needed to certify Falcon 9 for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program, which will qualify SpaceX as an approved supplier to launch national security satellites for the US Air Force.

SpaceX has now completed over 40 launches, 60 percent of which have been for commercial customers. The company was founded in 2002 with the stated aim of, "enabling people to live on other planets."

Source: SpaceX

Commercial space company Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has launched a second satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit. Its Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral in Florida and successfully delivered a TV and telecoms satellite for Thai-based communications provider Thaicom into position.

The Thaicom-6 satellite was delivered to an elliptical geosynchronous transfer orbit ranging from 295 km to 90,000 km above the earth at an inclination of 22.5 degrees. The mission is Falcon 9’s second to a geosynchronous transfer orbit, following the launch of the Orbital Sciences GEOStar-2 commercial telecommunications satellite just over a month ago, and marks the start of regular launches planned for SpaceX in 2014.

"Today’s successful launch of the Thaicom-6 satellite marks the eighth successful flight in a row for Falcon 9," Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, said in a press statement. "SpaceX greatly appreciates Thaicom's support throughout this campaign and we look forward to a busy launch schedule in 2014."

The launch was also the third of three qualification flights needed to certify Falcon 9 for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program, which will qualify SpaceX as an approved supplier to launch national security satellites for the US Air Force.

SpaceX has now completed over 40 launches, 60 percent of which have been for commercial customers. The company was founded in 2002 with the stated aim of, "enabling people to live on other planets."

Source: SpaceX

View gallery - 8 images
3 comments
3 comments
Slowburn
As much as I like hearing about it I long for the day when SpaceX and their competitors making a launch is as news worthy as Boeing delivering a 737.
Don Duncan
Wouldn't the first step to living on another planet be a city orbiting earth? And wouldn't the first step to that be a space elevator?
I would like to see an independent communications array, i.e., one not under the control of any govt. That would allow uncensored, private communications. Wouldn't it be nice to watch news shows that couldn't be shut down or blocked by govt.?
dalroth5
@Don Duncan:
Nice idea, but I suspect it's no longer possible to do anything at all, anywhere on or off Earth, which cannot be blocked or shut down by any number of governments. Especially the big ones. And most especially the big and warlike one.