SpaceX successfully launched the geocommunications satellite GovSat-1 into orbit with its Falcon 9 rocket last Wednesday. The satellite by Orbital STK was launched into space to provide reliable satellite communications for military, maritime, and humanitarian operations for Luxembourg.
The Falcon 9 carrying the GovSat-1 launched on Jan. 31 at exactly 4:25 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The satellite commissioned by the Government of Luxembourg and to be operated by SES will provide secure and better communication and interconnectivity for Europe, Africa, and Middle East. It will also amplify better maritime communication over the Indian oceans and Atlantic.
According to its full description, GovSat-1 is capable of providing better connection for fixed and mobile communications. The satellite is also capable of providing "enhanced resilience capabilities with anti-jamming features, encrypted Telemetry and Control, and use of military frequencies."
SpaceX streamed a live monitoring of the launch and later on confirmed that the deployment was a big success. The Falcon 9 rocket with its nine Merlin engines was able to transport the payload safely into space. "Successful deployment of GovSat-1 to a Geostationary Transfer Orbit confirmed," SpaceX tweeted.
GovSat via Twitter said the successful launch of the GovSat-1 is a big milestone and is only a start for the company's goal to provide reliable communication around the world. "With the successful launch of #GovSat1, we are now off to a great start to provide secure and reliable satellite communications addressing the specific requirements of governments and institutions," GovSat posted.
With the success of the GovSat-1 launch, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is looking forward to another launch on Feb. 6.
SpaceX will conduct its first test launch for the Falcon Heavy, dubbed as "The World's Most Powerful Rocket." The launching for the massive rocket has been delayed many times, and the company is hoping for another success this coming Tuesday.
