Space Exploration Technologies recently launched a Malaysian
Earth-observing satellite into orbit, marketing its second
successful launch. "Our ground systems were able to pick up
communication from RazakSAT on its first pass," SpaceX said in a
statement. "The satellite is communicating as expected and our
team will continue to monitor the data closely." Stormy weather
and a helium malfunction delayed the launch of the Falcon 1
rocket for a few hours -- and there was concern the launch would
have to be scrubbed -- but it still took off without a hitch.
The RazakSAT satellite was expected to launch into space in
April, but a vibration issue located between Falcon 1 and
RazakSAT took quite some time to fix. The RazakSAT will take
high-resolution pictures of Malaysia, allowing the government to
monitor forestry and fish migration, land management, and other
government-led initiatives. This marks the company's first
commercial space launch, and the company is already looking for
other companies and nations lookin