In Photos: SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Huge EchoStar 23 Satellite

By Tariq Malik
published

EchoStar 23 Meets Rocket Fairing

SpaceX

The EchoStar 23 satellite (right) is prepared for launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in this prelaunch image.

Behold, EchoStar 23!

Space Systems Loral

The EchoStar 23 communications satellite is seen in this stunning view captured before its planned March 14 launch.

EchoStar 23: One Last Look

Space Systems Loral

One more look at the EchoStar 23 communications satellite as it is prepared for a March 14, 2017 launch into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Preparing EchoStar 23 for Launch

Space Systems Loral

Another look at the EchoStar 23 satellite as it is prepared for a March 2017 launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

EchoStar 23 Mission Emblem

SpaceX

The mission emblem for SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch carrying the EchoStar 23 satellite into orbit.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

Tariq Malik
Tariq Malik
Editor-in-Chief

Tariq is the Editor-in-Chief of Space.com and joined the team in 2001, first as an intern and staff writer, and later as an editor. He covers human spaceflight, exploration and space science, as well as skywatching and entertainment. He became Space.com's Managing Editor in 2009 and Editor-in-Chief in 2019. Before joining Space.com, Tariq was a staff reporter for The Los Angeles Times covering education and city beats in La Habra, Fullerton and Huntington Beach. In October 2022, Tariq received the Harry Kolcum Award for excellence in space reporting from the National Space Club Florida Committee. He is also an Eagle Scout (yes, he has the Space Exploration merit badge) and went to Space Camp four times as a kid and a fifth time as an adult. He has journalism degrees from the University of Southern California and New York University. You can find Tariq at Space.com and as the co-host to the This Week In Space podcast with space historian Rod Pyle on the TWiT network. To see his latest project, you can follow Tariq on Twitter @tariqjmalik.