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A SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher has successfully launched the TurkmenAlem52E / MonacoSAT telecommunications satellite from Cape Canaveral base in Florida, US.

Planned to be operated from orbital position of 52° E longitude, the satellite is Turkmenistan’s first national satellite telecommunications system.

Built on a Thales Alenia Space Spacebus 4000 C2 platform, the MonacoSAT weighed 4.7t at launch and has a design life of more than 16 years.

After the satellite is placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, it will reach final location using on-board thrusters.

Monaco’s 52°E orbital position will be used by the Turkmenistan Ministry of Communications through Space System International – Monaco (SSI).

"After the satellite is placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, it will reach final location using on-board thrusters."

The satellite is designed to serve Europe, Central Asia up to the Chinese border and almost all the regions in Africa.

TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT incorporates 3D printed component, T&C antenna horn mounting strut and travelling wave tube amplifiers.

Thales Alenia Space is the prime contractor for the satellite, and is responsible to build ground support equipment for satellite control stations, as well as provide launch services and insurance.

The launch of TurkmenAlem52E follows Falcon 9’s lift-off of a Dragon cargo capsule to the International Space Station earlier this month, as part of commercial resupply services mission.

SpaceX is preparing to conduct pad abort test of a Dragon capsule on 5 May. Dragon is designed to fly astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

Image: TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT is Turkmenistan’s first national satellite telecommunications system. Photo: courtesy of Thales Alenia Space.