Communications satellite launched into space for Asian broadcast, broadband connectivity

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A communications satellite has been launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

An unmanned Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 4 a.m. Tuesday, lighting up the night sky.

The rocket carried the Asiasat-8 spacecraft which will support direct broadcasting, private networks and broadband connectivity for customers in China, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The four beam satellite will join a constellation of other satellites in geostationary orbit serving various parts of the eastern hemisphere.

This is the 11th flight for the Falcon 9, the second in less than a month.

An abort was called due to technical issues seconds before a lift off at the beginning of the window around 1:30 a.m., followed by a scrub. After evaluating situation launch officials decided to make a second attempt.