Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

SpaceX launches communication satellite, ditches old booster

SpaceX launches communication satellite, ditches old booster | iNFOnews.ca
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Monday, June 4, 2018. The rocket is carrying a communications satellite. (Craig Bailey/Florida Today via AP) A

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SpaceX has launched another satellite for a Luxembourg communication company. But it ditched the recycled booster in the Atlantic following liftoff.

The Falcon 9 rocket blasted off early Monday from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The satellite operator, SES, tweeted, “What a beautiful start to the week!”

The powerful, hefty SES satellite, weighing in at 12,000 pounds (5,400 kilograms), will provide TV and data coverage across Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East.

The Falcon’s first-stage booster previously flew last September. SpaceX is switching to a new and improved line of boosters, and so made no effort to recover this one.

SES was the first company to accept a ride on a used SpaceX rocket, back in March 2017.

SpaceX aims to lower launch costs by reusing rockets.

News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

Abbey Westbury

Related Articles