SpaceX launches rocket carrying 10 communication satellites

Washington March 31 (IANS) American aerospace company SpaceX on Friday successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 10 telecommunications satellites from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in Southern California.

The Iridium-NEXT satellites were launched Friday morning for McLean Virginia-based satellite operator Iridium Communications Efe reported.

The Iridium-5 NEXT Mission marked the fifth set of 10 satellites that Elon Musk s SpaceX has launched for its customer s Iridium NEXT global satellite constellation.

The contract calls for SpaceX to launch a total of 75 satellites for Iridium.

The launch took place on schedule at 7.13 a.m.

"Successful deployment of all 10 @IridiumComm NEXT satellites to low-Earth orbit confirmed " Musk s company said on Twitter.

SpaceX s next launch is scheduled for April 2 when another Falcon 9 rocket will be used in a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station.

That rocket is scheduled to lift off Monday afternoon from Cape Canaveral Florida.

--IANS
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