300th Mission: SpaceX Launches Indonesian Communication Satellite To Orbit
Keneci Network @kenecifeed
Telkomsat's Merah Putih 2 communications satellite lifted off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 2011 UTC on Feb. 20, from Space Launch Complex SLC-40, at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX noted on X, that this was the rocket company's 300th successful mission for Falcon 9 to date, and the 16th in 2024.
The Falcon 9's first stage returned to SpaceX droneship about 8 minutes after liftoff, the 17th launch and landing for this particular booster, according to SpaceX. That's two shy of the company's reuse record, which it set in December 2023. The second stage meanwhile, continued skyward, eventually deploying Merah Putih 2 into geosynchronous transfer orbit 34.5 minutes later.
The 4,000 kilograms satellite which will be operated by state-owned Indonesian telecom company Telkomsat, will provide fast internet service for customers in Indonesia for the next 15 years.
SpaceX first launched Falcon 9 in June 2010. The company's leaders celebrated their 300th successful mission for the workhorse rocket in posts on X.
"Congrats to @SpaceX team!" company owner Elon Musk wrote on X, following the conclusion of Merah Putih 2 mission.
"Falcon is the most reliable and prolific launch system in the world today," president and COO Gwynne Shotwell wrote. "Many thanks to the incredible team @SpaceX and our partners, customers and suppliers for helping make it happen!"
WATCH SpaceX launch Telkomsat's Merah Putih 2 satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit.