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SpaceX has launched a communications satellite for Inmarsat, marking its first launch for the London-based mobile broadband company. Here are a few pictures from the launch. (Agencies)
The Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite, built by Boeing, yesterday 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." <br /><br /> Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete—targeting launch of Inmarsat-5 Flight 4 from Pad 39A on Monday, May 15. (Twitter/SpaceX) -
The satellite is the fourth in the company's Global Xpress (GX) constellation, aimed at providing high-speed mobile broadband service. (Video Grab)
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"Inmarsat, the only operator of a global Ka-band network, created the GX platform to enable communities across the world to benefit from the emerging digital society," said a company statement. (Video Grab)
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SpaceX, which is headed by Elon Musk, did not attempt to bring the first stage of the rocket back to Earth for an upright landing following the launch. (Associated Press)
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The payload weighed some 6,100 kilograms, and the force needed to propel it to orbit would not leave enough fuel for the rocket to maneuver back to Earth. (Twitter/SpaceX)
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