SpaceX launches Inmarsat communications satellite Miami:
SpaceX has launched a communications satellite for Inmarsat, marking its first launch for the London-based mobile broadband company.
The Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite, built by Boeing, on Monday blasted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 7.21 PM (2321 GMT).
“We’ve had confirmation of spacecraft separation,” said a SpaceX commentator about 30 minutes after launch, signaling that the satellite was successfully deployed to a distant, geostationary orbit. “We’ve had good orbits, good separation, all you can ask for today.”
The satellite is the fourth in the company’s Global Xpress (GX) constellation, aimed at providing high-speed mobile broadband service. “Inmarsat, the only operator of a global Kaband network, created the GX platform to enable communities across the world to benefit from the emerging digital society,” said a company statement.
The Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite, built by Boeing, on Monday blasted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 7.21 PM (2321 GMT).
“We’ve had confirmation of spacecraft separation,” said a SpaceX commentator about 30 minutes after launch, signaling that the satellite was successfully deployed to a distant, geostationary orbit. “We’ve had good orbits, good separation, all you can ask for today.”
The satellite is the fourth in the company’s Global Xpress (GX) constellation, aimed at providing high-speed mobile broadband service. “Inmarsat, the only operator of a global Kaband network, created the GX platform to enable communities across the world to benefit from the emerging digital society,” said a company statement.