A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has successfully launched a pair of US-German science satellites and five commercial communications satellites into orbit from California. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has successfully launched a pair of US-German science satellites and five commercial communications satellites into orbit from California. The satellites for Iridium Communications' next-generation fleet were released in a process completed a little more than an hour after liftoff. The commercial side of the launch was the sixth in Iridium Communications' three billion dollar (£2.2 billion) campaign to replace its entire fleet of globe-circling satellites for mobile communications. The Iridium satellites also provide platforms for a space-based air traffic management system from joint venture Aerion LLC.

Source: Irish Independent May 23, 2018 07:07 UTC