"SpaceX's Falcon Heavy Sets Record with Heaviest Commercial Satellite Launch"
TL;DR
SpaceX successfully launched the heaviest commercial communications satellite, Jupiter 3/EchoStar 24, atop a Falcon Heavy rocket. The 9-metric-ton satellite, featuring 300 spot beams and 500 Gbps of capacity, will expand the reach of the HughesNet satellite internet service to nearly 80% of the population across the Americas. The Falcon Heavy's twin side boosters returned to landing zones, while the core stage was not recovered. The satellite will be used for broadband connectivity in rural areas, cellular backhaul for mobile network operators, and aeronautical connectivity. Service is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023.
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- SpaceX Falcon Heavy Rocket Deploys Massive Satellite Bloomberg
- SpaceX Falcon Heavy lifts off with heaviest commercial communications satellite ever – Spaceflight Now Spaceflight Now
- SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launches Jupiter 3 satellite into orbit Associated Press
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