SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launching Es’hail-2 satellite into space from Nasa’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida. Credit: Space Exploration Technologies Corp.

SpaceX has deployed the Es’hail-2 satellite into orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US.

The satellite was placed in a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) approximately 32 minutes after the lift-off.

The launch was conducted onboard a reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on behalf of communications satellite operator Qatar Satellite Company (Es’hailSat).

After completing the separation stage, SpaceX recovered the Falcon 9’s first stage on a drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

The first stage of Falcon 9 was previously used to launch the Telstar 19 Vantage satellite in July.

“Es’hail-2 will primarily serve the business and government sectors across the Middle East and North Africa.”

Built by Japan-based Mitsubishi Electric, the Es’hail-2 is equipped with Ku-band and Ka-band capabilities.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The satellite is designed to provide direct broadcasting services, communications and other services from its orbital position of 26° East.

Designed to operate for more than 16 years, Es’hail-2 will primarily serve the business and government sectors across the Middle East and North Africa.

In a separate development, SpaceX has secured approval from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop, launch and operate the Starlink constellation comprising more than 7,000 satellites using V-band frequencies. However, the approval was granted with certain conditions.

In February, SpaceX launched the first set of two demonstration satellites of the programme into space.

FCC also granted approval to SpaceX’s request to add the 37.5-42.0GHz and 47.2-50.2GHz frequency bands to its previously authorised non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) constellation.