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SpaceX, based in the United States, and its French counterpart Arianespace launched rockets 15 minutes apart Wednesday
After a report from The Verge SpaceX has launched Falcon 9 at 7:30 ET from the California coast as Arianespace launched Ariane 5 from its South American spaceport in French Guiana. The Ariane 5 rocket was carrying four satellites in the orbit and SpaceX was carrying 10 satellites on Falcon 9.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 landed successfully on the drone "Just Read the Instructions" in the Pacific Ocean . Initially, there was some uncertainty about satellite survival, due to poor lighting on the boat. However, SpaceX later had visual evidence that the booster landed successfully.
This launch of Arianespace is the fourth of the year, according to a company statement. For SpaceX, it was their second of the week after a Cape Canaveral launch in Florida on Sunday.
They launched 10 more Iridium satellites into this constellation, making it the seventh launch of the series, according to a company statement. Prior to launch, SpaceX also completed the Static Rocket Fire Test on July 20th.
Static fire test of Falcon 9 completing July 25 launch of Iridium-7 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California
– SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 21, 2018
SpaceX had planned to catch the fairing of the rocket with a giant net stretched across their recovery boat called Mr. Steven, however, the boat was unable to catch the nose of the rocket.
The Iridium satellites will be added to the 55 already in service, as part of the NEXT network, focused on the Internet of Things (IoT).
SpaceX will continue its ambitious launch schedule with another launch of Falcon 9 scheduled for August 2nd.
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