Liftoff of Telstar 19 Vantage satellite from Florida, US. Credit: Space Exploration Technologies Corp.

SpaceX has launched the Telstar 19 Vantage satellite into space from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US.

Around 32 minutes after liftoff, the satellite was deployed into a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Following the launch, SpaceX retrieved the rocket’s first stage using a droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

With a design life of 15 years, Telstar 19 Vantage is scheduled to enter commercial service this year after completing orbit raising and in-orbit testing.

“Telstar 19 Vantage is scheduled to enter commercial service this year after completing orbit raising and in-orbit testing.”

Operated by Telesat, the satellite is equipped with a range of regional beams and high throughput satellite (HTS) spot beams to serve various bandwidth-intensive applications that are in high demand around the globe.

Telstar 19 Vantage will operate from Telesat’s prime orbital position of 63° West, which also hosts the Telstar 14R satellite.

Built by SSL, the satellite will use its Ku-band and Ka-band beams to serve Brazil, North Atlantic, Andean region, South America, Caribbean, the North Atlantic and Northern Canada.

Telstar 19 Vantage will provide services to Hughes Network Systems under a 15-year agreement reached between Telesat and Hughes.

In addition, the satellite will provide its Ka-band capacity to Northern Canada as part of contracts signed between Telesat and various companies, including Bell Canada subsidiary Northwestel.