SpaceX launched a satellite for Inmarsat Feb. 17 that gives the operator more capacity for partnerships in an emerging direct-to-device market.
A Falcon 9 carrying the British company’s Inmarsat-6 F2 (I-6 F2) satellite lifted off 10:59 p.m. Eastern from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
I-6 F2 separated from the rocket about 32 minutes later, and will use onboard electric propulsion to get to its geostationary orbit slot over the Atlantic Ocean over the next several months.
As is now typical for a Falcon 9 mission, the rocket’s first stage successfully landed shortly after launch for reuse. The booster has previously supported a crewed flight to the International Space Station and the launch of a GPS 3 satellite.
Earlier in the day, SpaceX launched another Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, to take 51 satellites for its broadband constellation to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Inmarsat said I-6 F2 is slated to enter service in 2024 following rigorous in-orbit tests.