SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Launches Toward Orbit With Commercial Egyptian Communications Satellite [Watch]

The SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a communications satellite on Wednesday to increase a television network's service across the Middle East and Africa while also bringing broadband to Egypt.

At 5:04 p.m., a Falcon 9 rocket launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, carrying the Nilesat 301 satellite

The rocket's first stage booster landed on SpaceX's Just Read the Instructions drone ship, which was positioned off the coast of Florida, roughly 8 minutes and 45 seconds after launch.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Brings Egyptian Communications Satellite to Orbit

The Egyptian communications satellite will be put into orbit by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, launched today from the Cape Canaveral launch complex. According to CBS News, the business thrusts its 1.7 million pounds of push into orbit.

It was the company's seventh successful launch of the year, and it was a watershed moment for SpaceX and the Falcon 9. Fox 35 Orlando added the Falcon 9 first stage booster used to launch GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, and two Starlink flights were previously used to launch GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, and two Starlink missions.

Egypt is concentrating on upgrading its communications and network infrastructure with a satellite connection from orbit. They aim to spread its service to many neighboring regions. It will first focus on increasing television service in the Middle East and Africa and then use the same satellite to develop broadband internet in Egypt.

Next SpaceX Launch

Next up on the range is Astra and its Rocket 3.3. The California-based firm aims to launch NASA's TROPICS research mission from Launch Complex 46 no later than Sunday, June 12. According to Florida Today, the crew is still waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration certification. Therefore no definite launch time has been set.

The company's most recent flight, launched from the Cape in February, failed to send another NASA mission to low-Earth orbit, along with academic payloads.

Astra's goal is to develop, transport, and launch rockets at a minimal cost in a timely manner. The company claims it can launch from practically anywhere in the world using off-the-shelf parts and existing choices such as maritime cargo containers, as long as there is a stable concrete slab.

Rocket 3.3 is a smaller launch vehicle, standing around 45 feet tall, compared to the 230-foot Falcon 9 that is now popular. At 323 feet, NASA's Space Launch System sitting at pad 39B for its next test attempt on June 19, is even taller.

Check out more news and information on SpaceX in Science Times.