The upcoming launch by SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, will deploy Hughes’ Jupiter 3 satellite. Utilizing the powerful Falcon Heavy launch vehicle, this mission may potentially introduce the largest private communications satellite to date.
On Thursday, July 27, SpaceX is gearing up to launch what might become the largest private communications satellite in history. Named Jupiter 3, this satellite is purpose-built to provide internet services to customers located in both North and South America. The launch of Jupiter 3 aboard the Falcon Heavy rocket is planned to take place from Launch Complex-39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
According to a report by Space.com, the launch is targeted for Thursday, July 27, at 8.34 AM IST. The Falcon Heavy held the record for the highest payload capacity among all operational rockets until NASA’s Artemis 1 mission with the Space Launch System (SLS) surpassed it. SpaceX’s ongoing development and testing of the Starship rocket system indicate that it is expected to be even more powerful than the Falcon Heavy.
Maxar, the company responsible for building the Jupiter 3 satellite, reveals that it incorporates cutting-edge technologies and new architecture. Among the advancements are miniaturized electronics, solid-state amplifiers, and highly efficient antenna designs. The Jupiter 3 will be integrated into Hughes’ existing satellite network, effectively doubling its current capacity to an impressive 500 Gbps.
“Approximately eight minutes after launch, the Falcon Heavy’s side boosters will perform a controlled return, successfully executing precise landings on both Landing Zones 1 and 2.”
According to Hughes, the Jupiter 3 satellite will offer HughesNet customers in the United States and Latin America the ability to access satellite broadband with impressive speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
