At 11:04 p.m. ET on Friday, July 28, SpaceX achieved a successful launch of a triple-booster Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
During the mission, SpaceX deployed the 9-metric-ton Jupiter 3 communications satellite, designed for Hughes Network Systems based in Maryland.
This satellite holds the record as the heaviest commercial communications satellite ever constructed, and its fully deployed size is comparable to a commercial airliner's wingspan.
The Falcon Heavy launch vehicle consists of three Falcon 9 boosters and is SpaceX's most potent operational rocket. This recent flight marks only its 7th since its inaugural mission in 2018.
The complete SpaceX mission, comprising launch, Falcon Heavy's two side booster returns, and satellite deployment, was live-streamed for the audience to witness.
The satellite will expand the reach of the HughesNet satellite internet service to nearly 80% of the Americas and increase broadband speeds, among other benefits.
During launch, the Falcon Heavy generates over 5 million pounds of thrust, making it about three times more powerful than SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, the workhorse of their fleet.