SpaceX launches Optus-X telecom satellite from Florida in gorgeous sunset liftoff (video, photos)

SpaceX's 22nd launch of 2023

Liftoff occurred just after sunset

SpaceX has launched an Optus-X satellite into orbit from Florida in a gorgeous sunset liftoff. The launch took place at 5:24 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40. The Falcon 9 rocket soared into the sky, leaving behind a trail of orange and pink smoke against a backdrop of a beautiful sunset. This was SpaceX's 22nd launch of 2023, and the sixth time a Falcon 9 has launched from the Cape this year.

The Optus-X satellite is a communications satellite that will provide high-speed internet and mobile services to Australia and New Zealand. The satellite was built by Space Systems/Loral and is based on the SSL-1300 platform. It weighs approximately 7,000 pounds (3,200 kilograms) and has a design life of 15 years.

The launch was originally scheduled for Thursday, but was delayed by one day due to weather conditions. The launch window was only 15 minutes long, but the SpaceX team was able to get the rocket off the pad just in time.

The launch was a success, and the Falcon 9 rocket placed the Optus-X satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The satellite will now use its own propulsion system to raise its orbit to geostationary orbit (GEO), where it will begin providing service.