SpaceX Launches RazakSat
By Staff Writer | July 15, 2009
[Satellite Today 07-15-09] Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) launched the RazakSat spacecraft onboard a Falcon 1 rocket from the U.S. Army‘s launch facility in the Kwajalein Atoll, the company announced July 14.
The launch is SpaceX’s first successful Falcon 1 mission involving a satellite payload.
RazakSat was scheduled for launch in April, but was delayed due to compatibility issues between the payload and the launch vehicle. A helium malfunction on Falcon 1 rocket, as well as stormy weather conditions, delayed the launch for several hours before it lifted off late Monday.
RazakSat was built by Malaysian Astronautic Technology to take high-resolution images of Malaysia, to aid in land management, resource development, conservation, forestry and fish migration studies.