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Falcon 9 launch vehicles brings 11 telecom satellites into space

It was the first launch of a modified version of the Falcon 9 vehicle after the previous abortive launch that occurred on June 28

© EPA/JIM GROSSMAN/NASA / HANDOUT

NEW YORK, December 22. /TASS/. US SpaceX corporation on Monday launched into space a total of eleven telecommunications satellites with the help of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle.

The liftoff took place on an Air Force base near Cape Canaveral. The delivery of the satellites manufactured by Orbcomm corporation to the designated orbit was successful.

SpaceX initially hoped to effectuate the launch on Sunday but experts required more time for preparations.

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It was the first launch of a modified version of the Falcon 9 vehicle after the previous abortive launch that occurred on June 28, when the carrier and the Dragon cargo craft exploded some 150 seconds into the flight. The Dragon was to deliver about 2 tons of cargo to the International Space Station, including foodtuffs, equipment and materials for research experiments.

After the saddening incident, SpaceX suspended the launches with the help of Falcon 9 spacecraft. Technical experts said the explosion was caused by flaws in the liquid oxygen tank located in the upper segment of the carrier.

The company introduced technological improvements and re-equipped the launch vehicles.

SpaceX also managed for the first time to descend to lower segment to the Earth. It will be used in further launches.

The corporation believes this practice will make it possible to cut down the cost of commercial launches and will beef up the Falcons' competitiveness.

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Russian carrier rockets: from transporting astronauts to commercial launches

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