SpaceX has successfully brought the world's toughest communications satellite into history. It is called Telstar 18 Vantage and weighs 7076 kg. The satellite will provide broadband internet access and communications services across the Americas.
The instrument was brought into orbit using block 5, the latest and latest version of the Falcon 9 rocket that SpaceX uses for multiple flights. This was only the second flight of block 5.
This rocket has power upgrades and features can be used up to 10 times without any repairs and up to 100 times its lifecycle. The first of these missiles flew in May this year, and the third flight is scheduled for this week, bringing out a set of 10 Iridium satellites.
The launch was also followed by a successful landing of the main body of the rocket on a floating site in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Falcon 9 rocket will no longer be upgraded. Instead, SpaceX will gradually concentrate on working on Falcon Heavy, which is bigger and more powerful. This rocket will also be the basis for the even bigger and more powerful BFR that SpaceX plans to use as a key element of its mission to Mars.