WASHINGTON, Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — U.S. private space company SpaceX on Tuesday launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying an Israeli-owned satellite to provide communication services for Africa.
The rocket, carrying the AMOS-17 Satellite, blasted off at 7:23 p.m. Eastern Time from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
The satellite was deployed approximately 32 minutes after the liftoff, according to SpaceX’s live broadcast.
The AMOS-17 satellite, designed by Israeli company Spacecom using Boeing’s advanced digital payload technology, is poised to support growth in a variety of broadcast, broadband, mobility and data services throughout the African continent, according to SpaceX.
It will be deployed to an orbital position right over central Africa, to optimize service in the region.
AMOS-17 is planned to be in operation for a minimum of 20 years. — NNN-AGENCIES
