SpaceX Successfully Launches TurkmenÄlem52E/MonacoSat Satellite

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the TurkmenÄlem52E/MonacoSat satellite
into a geosynchronous transfer orbit after a weather delay on the evening of April 27, 2015. The launch was delayed 49 minutes due to a weather violation, in this case, thick and anvil clouds. But a small window of opportunity opened up, and at 7:03 pm EDT the Falcon 9 launched.

This mission launched TurkmenÄlem52E/MonacoSat, a communications satellite built by Thales Alenia Space using a their Spacebus 4000 C2 platform and weighing 4,500 kg at launch.

The launch was conducted from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The satellite was deployed approximately 32 minutes after liftoff.

The satellite’s design life exceeds 15 years, and its coverage zone encompasses Europe, Central Asia (up to the Chinese border), and virtually all of Africa. Once operational in orbit, TurkmenÄlem52E/MonacoSAT will allow Turkmenistan to operate its first national satellite telecommunications system, ensuring enhanced, secure telecommunications for the
country. The Turkmenistan Ministry of Communications will use Monaco’s 52°E orbital position, via the Monaco-based satellite operator, Space Systems International – Monaco (SSI-Monaco).