SpaceX launches Türkiye's first home-grown communications satellite

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Monday night, carrying Türkiye's first home-grown communications satellite, Report informs via Space Daily.

The launch took place at 7:30 pm EDT after being delayed due to bad weather. The event was streamed online for viewers worldwide.

"All systems are looking good for today's launch of the @Turksat 6A mission from Florida. Weather conditions have improved for liftoff, and propellant load is underway," SpaceX posted on X.

Türkiye has had satellites launched before, but this marks the first time the country has built one entirely on its own. With this achievement, Türkiye joins a select group of just 11 countries capable of manufacturing their own communications satellites.

Weighing 9,400 pounds, the satellite is designed for a 15-year lifespan and will increase the reach of Türkiye's satellites from 3.5 billion to 5 billion people.