SpaceX successfully launched the SES O3b mPOWER mission on Sunday with the mission of placing two communication satellites into medium Earth orbit (MEO).
The Falcon 9 rocket carrying these satellites took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 4:08 p.m. EST (2108 GMT).
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Shortly after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage returned and successfully landed on the ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’ droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.
Two hours later, the rocket’s upper stage deployed the first satellite into medium Earth orbit (MEO) some 5,000 miles (8,000 km) above our planet, followed by the deployment of the second satellite seven minutes later.
Both satellites, built by Boeing, will be additions to the O3b constellation of communication satellites operated by Luxembourg-based provider SES S.A. It is anticipated that the complete constellation of six satellites will offer high-speed connectivity to government and private industries, beginning in late 2023.
It’s worth noting that this mission marked SpaceX’s 84th launch of the year, an impressive feat for the aerospace company.
