SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon Heavy rocket on July 28, carrying the heaviest commercial communications satellite ever built. The mission deployed the Jupiter 3 satellite for Hughes Network Systems, which will expand the reach of the HughesNet satellite internet service and increase broadband speeds. The Falcon Heavy, which consists of three Falcon 9 boosters, is SpaceX’s most powerful operational rocket and has a thrust of over 5 million pounds at launch. The company live streamed the entire mission, including the launch, the return of the side boosters, and the satellite deployment.
The launch took place at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and was live streamed by SpaceX. The Falcon Heavy rocket blasted off into the night sky, lighting up the surroundings. Less than seven minutes after launch, the two side boosters returned to base and landed upright. SpaceX released footage of these landings from both the rocket’s perspective and an alternative view.
SpaceX also shared footage of the deployment of the Jupiter 3 satellite, which is the heaviest commercial communications satellite ever built. The satellite will expand the reach of the HughesNet satellite internet service to nearly 80% of the Americas and increase broadband speeds. The company also posted images of the Falcon Heavy’s launch and the landing of one of its side boosters.
The Falcon Heavy is an impressive rocket, with more than 5 million pounds of thrust at launch. However, it is not as powerful as NASA’s new SLS rocket or SpaceX’s in-development Super Heavy. The SLS rocket produces around 8.8 million pounds of thrust at launch, while the Super Heavy is expected to exhibit 17 million pounds of thrust. The Super Heavy has only been launched once, but the test mission ended in an explosive manner after an anomaly a few minutes after liftoff. The vehicle had to be self-destructed in midair.
Overall, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch was a success, with the deployment of the Jupiter 3 satellite marking a significant step in expanding satellite internet services and increasing broadband speeds. The company continues to push the boundaries of rocket technology with its powerful rockets and innovative landing capabilities.
