The successful launch of an unmanned Falcon 9 rocket this afternoon marked the entry of private spaceflight company SpaceX into the commercial satellite market, as the SES-8 communications satellite was sent into orbit.
Just before launch, SpaceX founder Elon Musk sent his thanks.
About an hour away from launch. I'd like to thank @SES_Satellites for taking a chance on @SpaceX. We've given it our all.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 3, 2013
#Falcon9 is GO for launch of #SES8 today at 5:41p ET. Watch LIVE starting at 5:25: http://t.co/wytY3mnBf1 pic.twitter.com/zQYC2xUFBd
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 3, 2013
Congratulations to @spacex on a good launch today! RT @JPMajor: Liftoff! #SES8 #Falcon9 pic.twitter.com/qsjAir5ecB
— Lady Lakdawalla of Baltis Vallis (@elakdawalla) December 3, 2013
https://twitter.com/viewofadam/status/408003505241079808
A very pastel-colored launch at the Cape tonight of #SES8 on @SpaceX's #Falcon9 to the sound of car alarms! pic.twitter.com/AZYNi4XfhC
— Ryan L Kobrick, PhD (@RyInSpace) December 3, 2013
[PHOTO] Falcon 9 and SES-8 liftoff from SpaceX's launch pad at Cape Canaveral pic.twitter.com/fucwgYH0s5
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 3, 2013
#SpaceX launch as seen from my house. 1st private satellite to be launched. @SpaceX is doing it right. #space pic.twitter.com/CRieYDoSLz
— David Slavic (@David_Slavic_) December 3, 2013
Looks like @SpaceX #SES8 launch was a success. 2nd stage relight was the worry. Curious to see how today's success will affect industry.
— John Berrigan (@jabe8) December 3, 2013
#Falcon9 second stage restart burn successful. Orbit looks nominal.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 3, 2013
Spacecraft separation confirmed! SES-8 is now in its targeted GEO transfer orbit.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 3, 2013
Kudos to @spacex on their successful Falcon 9 launch with SES-8 payload. Love the concept of privatization of space exploration.
— Dave Fraleigh (@davefraleigh) December 3, 2013
Congrats to @SpaceX and @elonmusk on a successful #SES8 launch and geotransfer orbit insertion today!
— Jim Scotti (@jscotti) December 3, 2013
https://twitter.com/DarylWMcB/status/408013127989469184
Reuters reports that private satellite launches could be a $190 billion a year global industry.
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