The devices replenish the OneWeb orbital constellation, which, taking into account the current launch, consists of 542 satellites.
A Falcon 9 rocket has successfully launched another group of 40 British OneWeb communications satellites into orbit. It was announced on January 10 by carrier developer SpaceX.
It is noted that the launch took place on Tuesday at 6.50 Kyiv time from the launch complex at Cape Canaveral in Florida.
lift off! pic.twitter.com/xYOwyBucPi
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 10, 2023
About 1.5 hours after launch, all 40 satellites, each weighing about 150 kg, were launched into low Earth orbit at an altitude of 600 km. Then, with the help of ion engines, they will rise to a regular orbit at a height of 1200 km.
The devices replenish the OneWeb orbital constellation, which, taking into account the current launch, consists of 542 satellites, and a total of 648 are planned to be launched.
👋 We finally say goodbye to our forty satellites as they successfully separate.
Our team will continue to work until morning to confirm contact with all our spacecraft 🛰️
📷: @SpaceX#OneWebLaunch16 🚀 pic.twitter.com/F2W2AmOjqS
— OneWeb (@OneWeb) January 10, 2023
It should be noted that the first reusable stage of the Falcon 9, which was used for the launch for the second time, approximately eight minutes after the launch made a controlled vertical landing on the site of the cosmodrome.
In addition, a special SpaceX rescue vehicle must fish out of the water two flaps of the rocket head fairing, which, after separation, descend by parachute.
Fairing reuse saves the company up to six million dollars.
Falcon 9’s first stage lands at Landing Zone 1 pic.twitter.com/W8qvmOyaBP
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 10, 2023
Recall that at the end of December, the first launch of the new generation of OneWeb satellites took place.
The devices are designed to provide consumers with broadband Internet using mobile satellite communication technologies.
SpaceX launches Ukrainian nanosatellite into orbit
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.