SpaceX has managed to safely launch its first missile since one of its rockets exploded last fall. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket was scheduled to deliver 10 communications satellites for Iridium on January 14. The act was caught on camera by Van Espahbodi, Ben Marcus and Amir Blachman.
The launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket was supposed to take place on January 14 at 9:54:39 a.m. PST or 5:54:39 p.m. UTC. However, this is only the first 10 of a 70-satellite deal SpaceX has with Iridium. The satellites are to expand Iridium’s next generation global satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The launch took place at Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket Launch Caught On Tape
Espahbodi and his fellow mates were adventurous enough to get close to the no-fly zone around SpaceX’s launchpad. Because they were in their private aircraft at 8500 feet, the trio had a perfect view of the satellite launch. From the puff of smoke as the rocket took off, to the vast expanse of azure blue sky engulfing the speeding speck that the rocket becomes, they captured it all, reported Mashable.
In case things go haywire like last time, SpaceX was prepared to take a second shot. According to the SpaceX official website, a backup launch window was scheduled on January 14 at 9:54:39 a.m. PST or 5:54:39 p.m. UTC. However, as is apparent from Espahbodi’s video, the backup launch was not needed.
Iridium NEXT To Make History
Six more launches from SpaceX will follow the one that took place on January 14. Each of them will carry 10 Iridium NEXT satellites. Finally, as many as 70 Iridium satellites may be deployed by early 2018.
Iridium NEXT plans to make history by becoming the largest commercial satellite network of low-earth orbit. Furthermore, Thales Alenia Space, which Iridium NEXT has partnered with, is manufacturing the tech upgrade. Together they hope to achieve a next-to-impossible task. Also, the manufacturing company will aid Iridium replace all satellites in its constellation one by one. Especially relevant is the fact that something like this has never been attempted by any communications network before.
— Van Espahbodi (@vdadmahi) January 15, 2017
— Amir Blachman (@amirblachman) January 15, 2017