Its Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral in Florida and successfully delivered a TV and telecoms satellite for Thai-based communications provider Thaicom into position.

 

The Thaicom-6 satellite was delivered to an elliptical geosynchronous transfer orbit ranging from 295 km to 90,000 km above the earth at an inclination of 22.5 degrees. The mission is Falcon 9’s second to a geosynchronous transfer orbit, following the launch of the Orbital Sciences GEOStar-2 commercial telecommunications satellite just over a month ago, and marks the start of regular launches planned for SpaceX in 2014.

"Today’s successful launch of the Thaicom-6 satellite marks the eighth successful flight in a row for Falcon 9," Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, said in a press statement. "SpaceX greatly appreciates Thaicom's support throughout this campaign and we look forward to a busy launch schedule in 2014."