Lifting off from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 40 at 03:50 UTC (22:50 EST), the Falcon 9 rocket successfully delivered the Eutelsat 115 West B and the ABS-3A satellites to orbit.
With two commercial communications satellites within its fairing, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched for its sixteenth time, and the first dual launch to geosynchronous transfer orbit. Although the flight had a 44 minute window, the rocket lifted off at the start of the window as no hiccups were encountered during the countdown phase of the launch.
With two commercial communications satellites within its fairing, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched for its sixteenth time, and the first dual launch to geosynchronous transfer orbit. Although the flight had a 44 minute window, the rocket lifted off at the start of the window as no hiccups were encountered during the countdown phase of the launch.
The ABS-3A satellite, operated by Asia Broadcasting Satellite, will replace the ABS-3 satellite launched way back in 1997. With a mass of just under 2000 kg, the satellite will extend the C- and Ku-band services into the Atlantic Ocean region for ABS’s existing customers. With the aid of 24 Ku band transponders and 24 C band transponders, the satellite will support VSAT services, TV distribution, IP trunking, cellular backhaul and maritime services.
Originally called the slightly shorter name of Satmex-7, the Eutelsat 115 West B satellite will be located at 114.9° West. Its location will extend Eutelsat’s satellite coverage from Alaska and Canada down to South America, with particularly unique coverage over the Galapagos and Easter Island. Equipped with 12 C-band and 34 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will be used by ISPs, telecom operators, government agencies, media broadcasters and aeronautical and maritime interests.
Originally called the slightly shorter name of Satmex-7, the Eutelsat 115 West B satellite will be located at 114.9° West. Its location will extend Eutelsat’s satellite coverage from Alaska and Canada down to South America, with particularly unique coverage over the Galapagos and Easter Island. Equipped with 12 C-band and 34 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will be used by ISPs, telecom operators, government agencies, media broadcasters and aeronautical and maritime interests.
Due to the enormous demands of getting the two satellites into space, no landing attempt was made in this flight. The launch was so close to the Falcon 9’s limit that SpaceX did not fit the rocket with legs, and it is unlikely that any first stage engine reignition took place either. The next barge landing attempt will be for the CRS-6 mission, expected to launch in early-to-mid April.
Sunday’s launch was the third SpaceX mission this year, following the launch of CRS-5 in January and DSCOVR in February. The next Falcon 9 launch will be to deliver Turkmenistan’s TurkmenÄlem communications satellite. Although no official launch date has been announced, Elon Musk hinted in a recent tweet that it will be around the 21st March.
Sunday’s launch was the third SpaceX mission this year, following the launch of CRS-5 in January and DSCOVR in February. The next Falcon 9 launch will be to deliver Turkmenistan’s TurkmenÄlem communications satellite. Although no official launch date has been announced, Elon Musk hinted in a recent tweet that it will be around the 21st March.