SpaceX

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has announced the launch of the 3,016kg THAICOM 6 satellite onboard its Falcon 9 rocket.

Launched on 6 January from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Falcon 9 has successfully placed the Asian satellite operator THAICOM’s commercial telecommunications satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The company said that the Falcon 9 launch vehicle performed as expected, meeting all mission objectives.

THAICOM executive committee chairman and chief executive officer Suphajee Suthumpun said: "THAICOM 6 will serve the customer need and also strengthen THAICOM’s hotbird platform on 78.5° east."

Built by Orbital Sciences, THAICOM 6 carried 33 transponders, including 24 C-band transponders and nine Ku-band transponders, and will provide improved services to the broadcast industry.

SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said that the successful launch of the THAICOM 6 satellite marks the eighth successful flight in a row for Falcon 9.

"SpaceX greatly appreciates THAICOM’s support throughout this campaign and we look forward to a busy launch schedule in 2014," Shotwell said.

The latest project marks second flight to a geosynchronous transfer orbit for the upgraded Falcon 9 rocket, following delivery of the SES-8 satellite last month.

SpaceX currently has nearly 50 launches in pipeline, including over 60% for commercial customers.

THAICOM 6 also marks Falcon 9’s final qualification flight required to certify the launch vehicle to fly missions under the evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV) programme.

Image: The THAICOM 6 mission marks second flight to a geosynchronous transfer orbit for SpaceX’s upgraded Falcon 9 rocket. Photo: courtesy of SpaceX.

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