The first stage booster that failed previously launched GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, OneWeb Launch 17, ARABSAT BADR-8, and 15 Starlink missions.
The first stage booster supporting the 2024-03-13 mission previously launched GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, OneWeb Launch 17, ARABSAT BADR-8, and 11 Starlink missions.
The first stage booster supporting the March mission is flying for the 19th time and previously launched GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, OneWeb Launch 17, ARABSAT BADR-8, and 11 Starlink missions.
Booster B1062 previously supported 16 missions, including GPS III SV04, GPS III SV05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, OneWeb 17, ARABSAT BADR-8, and nine Starlink missions.
The first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, OneWeb Launch 17, ARABSAT BADR-8, and seven Starlink missions.
Badr-8 has a launch mass of 4,500 kg, can generate 17.8 kW of power, and is designed to operate in orbit for 15 years.
The Airbus-built Arabsat Badr-8 telecommunications satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Badr-8 will provide connectivity for users across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.
Badr-8 is based on Airbus’ geostationary Eurostar Neo satellite platform.
Badr-8 features increased payload capacity and more efficient power and thermal control systems to replace and increase Arabsat’s capacity.
Following launch and separation, Badr-8 is using its electric propulsion system to reach geostationary orbit at 36,0 m.
Badr-8 is equipped with Airbus’ TELEO space demonstrator to provide space-to-ground optical communications at gigabit speeds.
Badr-8 is Airbus’ eighth spacecraft built for Arabsat and marks Airbus’ third successful launch of the Eurostar Neo series.
Badr-8 carries a 17-kilowatt power capability and will use all-electric propulsion to reach its 26 degrees east orbital slot over several months.
Badr-8 is designed to replace and expand Arabsat’s C-band and Ku-band capacity across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and central Asia over a 15-year design life.
Badr-8 lifted off at 12:30 a.m. Eastern on a Falcon 9 and separated from the rocket in geosynchronous transfer orbit about 37 minutes later.
Airbus Defence and Space built Badr-8 based on its Eurostar Neo satellite platform.
The Badr-8 launch was delayed from 2023-05-24 because of poor weather conditions.
SpaceX launched the Badr-8 TV broadcast and telecoms satellite on 2023-05-27 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
BADR-8 is the eighth satellite Airbus has built for Arabsat.