Overview
- The Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral’s SLC-40 and deployed SpainSat NG-2 to a geostationary transfer orbit about 35 minutes later over Madagascar.
- SpaceX flew the booster without landing legs or grid fins to maximize performance for the heavy GTO delivery, foregoing a recovery attempt.
- Reports differ on the first stage’s usage and fate, with accounts citing either a 21st and final flight with retirement or a 22nd flight without confirmation of retirement.
- Airbus built the Eurostar Neo spacecraft with a Thales Alenia Space communications module using X, military Ka and UHF bands with active antennas for anti-jamming and geolocation.
- SpainSat NG-1 and NG-2 complete a two-satellite system operated by Hisdesat to serve Spanish government users and partners through NATO with coverage reaching from the United States to Singapore.