SpaceX has launched the new SES-10 geostationary communications satellite into space onboard a flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, US.

The latest launch was conducted on behalf of Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES.

SES-10 is claimed to be  the first geostationary commercial satellite to ever launch on a flight-proven first-stage rocket booster.

SES chief technology officer Martin Halliwell said: “The successful launch of SES-10 on SpaceX's first ever mission using a flight-proven rocket is opening up a new era of spaceflight.

“The additional capacity offered by SES-10 is ideal for providing additional TV services with better picture quality, as well as faster broadband services, both of which will be welcomed by millions of people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.”

With a Ku-band payload of 55 36MHz transponder equivalents, the SES satellite will offer services to Latin America.

“The additional capacity offered by SES-10 is ideal for providing additional TV services with better picture quality, as well as faster broadband services."

SES-10's high-powered beams will bolster SES’s capabilities across Latin America, providing direct-to-home broadcasting, enterprise and mobility services.

The satellite will replace the capacity currently provided by other SES satellites at 67° West and bring further capacity to Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Built by Airbus Defence and Space, SES-10 is based on the Eurostar E3000 platform.

The satellite will use an electric plasma propulsion system for on-orbit manoeuvres and a chemical system for initial orbit raising and on-orbit manoeuvres.

Image: SpaceX launches SES-10 satellite into space. Photo: courtesy of SES.