SpaceX’s Falcon9 Launch Marks Historic Moment for Turkmenistan

“SpaceX achieved another historic first on Monday April 27 when they launched the country of Turkmenistan’s first ever commercial satellite.

The launch will take SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket higher above Earth’s surface than the launch on April 14 and will therefore test the rocket close to its maximum capacity.”

SpaceX continues to push scientific and economic advancements in the space industry. Unlike their other launches this year, April 27’s Falcon 9 was not intended for reuse; this design allowed the rocket to carry the added weight of Turkmenistan’s communication satellite.

“The landing legs alone weigh about 4,600 pounds and without those extra pounds, the rocket can carry its heavy payload farther into space than it could with the legs, which will be necessary for this satellite.”

Turkmenistan’s satellite will be orbiting the Earth nearly ten times higher than the International Space Station; this is normal for commercial satellites. The communication satellite will bring improved television and radio broadcasts to the homes of Turkmenistan’s people.

Read the rest of the article on Business Insider. Photo credit: Florida Today.

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