In Photos: SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Inmarsat-5 F4 Communications Satellite

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SpaceX Test-Fires Falcon 9 Rocket

SpaceX

SpaceX performed a static-fire test of a Falcon 9 rocket on May 11, 2017, keeping the booster on track to launch the Inmarsat 5 F4 communications satellite on May 15.

Inmarsat-5 F4 Satellite

Inmarsat

The Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite is seen during launch preparations. The satellite is the first to be launched by SpaceX for Inmarsat.

SpaceX Inmarsast-5 F4 Satellite Patch

SpaceX

SpaceX's mission emblem for the Falcon 9 rocket launching the Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite on May 15, 2017.

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Space.com Staff
Space.com Staff
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Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor. 

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