SpaceX Launches Galaxy 37 Communications Satellite for Intelsat

SpaceX is preparing for another launch as it targets the early morning hours for the deployment of the Galaxy 37 communications satellite for Intelsat. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 12:15 a.m. EDT (0415 UTC).

This mission will mark the 52nd orbital launch for SpaceX this year and the sixth flight for Falcon 9 booster 1077. The booster, which first flew in October 2022 carrying a Crew Dragon to the International Space Station, will attempt to land on the drone ship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ approximately eight and a half minutes after launch.

The Galaxy 37 satellite, weighing five metric tonnes, will be housed inside the rocket’s payload fairing. It is equipped with four deployable antenna reflectors for both C-band and Ku-band transmissions. The satellite will provide television and telecommunication services to networks and the U.S. Government in North America. The Ku-band payload, which offers mobile communication services, is jointly owned by Intelsat and JSAT International. The spacecraft was built by Maxar and is the final addition to Intelsat’s Galaxy fleet of satellites operating over North America.

Once in space, the Falcon 9 upper stage will place the Galaxy 37 spacecraft into a supersynchronous transfer orbit, with a high point above its final planned geostationary orbit. This orbit will help conserve the satellite’s onboard fuel, which will be used to circularize and lower the orbit. The second stage of the rocket will exhaust its remaining propellant supplies to achieve the best possible orbit before releasing the satellite approximately 32 minutes after launch.

It is estimated that it will take about three weeks for the satellite to maneuver itself into a geostationary orbit approximately 35,500 kilometers above the equator. Testing will be conducted over Hawaii at around 148 degrees west before the satellite drifts to 127 degrees west, positioning it west of Seattle. The Galaxy 37 satellite is expected to enter service in early October and remain operational for at least 18 years.

As SpaceX continues its busy launch schedule, the company is demonstrating its capabilities in the commercial space industry and contributing to the expansion of global communication networks.

How does the Falcon 9 upper stage position the Galaxy 37 spacecraft after reaching space

SpaceX is gearing up for another exciting launch as it sets its sights on the predawn hours for the deployment of the Galaxy 37 communications satellite for Intelsat. The highly anticipated event will take place at 12:15 a.m. EDT (0415 UTC) from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

This particular mission is of great significance as it will mark SpaceX’s 52nd orbital launch of the year and the sixth flight for the Falcon 9 booster 1077. The booster, which made its debut in October 2022 by transporting a Crew Dragon to the International Space Station, will endeavor to complete a successful landing on the drone ship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ approximately eight and a half minutes after liftoff.

Weighing an impressive five metric tonnes, the Galaxy 37 satellite will be securely nestled inside the rocket’s payload fairing. This advanced satellite boasts four deployable antenna reflectors designed to facilitate both C-band and Ku-band transmissions. Its primary objective is to deliver television and telecommunication services to networks and the U.S. Government in North America. The Ku-band payload, which enables mobile communication services, is jointly owned by Intelsat and JSAT International. Built by Maxar, this spacecraft will serve as the final addition to Intelsat’s esteemed Galaxy fleet of satellites, which operate above North America.

Once it reaches space, the Falcon 9 upper stage will expertly position the Galaxy 37 spacecraft into a supersynchronous transfer orbit, with a high point above its final planned geostationary orbit. This orbit selection helps conserve valuable fuel on board the satellite, which will be utilized to circularize and lower its orbit. Meanwhile, the second stage of the rocket will exhaust its remaining propellant supplies in order to achieve the most optimal orbit before delicately releasing the satellite approximately 32 minutes into the mission.

It is estimated that the satellite will require approximately three weeks to maneuver itself into a geostationary orbit situated roughly 35,500 kilometers above the equator. Testing will be conducted over Hawaii at approximately 148 degrees west, before the satellite gradually drifts to 127 degrees west, positioning it to the west of Seattle. The Galaxy 37 satellite is anticipated to commence its operational service in early October, with a projected operational lifespan of at least 18 years.

As SpaceX continues to maintain a busy launch schedule, the company not only showcases its impressive capabilities within the commercial space industry but also contributes significantly to the expansion of global communication networks.