Image: Inmarsat

Inmarsat has been celebrating after SpaceX successfully launched its latest I-6 F2 satellite on February 18 from launch pad SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, aboard a flight proven SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The launch reached a top speed of almost 40,000km/h as it left Earth above central Africa. The satellite will now spend several months travelling to its geostationary orbit, 36,000km above the Equator, using its onboard electric propulsion system. It is scheduled to connect its first customers in 2024, following rigorous in-orbit technical testing.

Five more spacecraft

Rajeev Suri, CEO, Inmarsat, said: “I want to extend my profound thanks and appreciation to our dedicated employees and partners who have made this launch a reality. Our I-6 programme has been six years in the making. Of course, this is not the end. Along with the I-6s, we will add five more advanced spacecraft to our fleet by 2025 as part of our fully funded technology roadmap.”

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