The central Asian country Turkmenistan has a bit of precious cargo ready for launch to the International Space Station – its first communications satellite. The SpaceX Falcon 9 is targeted to liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 40 at 6:14 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 27.
There is a 60 percent chance of favorable weather. If the thick clouds or other factors delay the launch, Tuesday doesn’t look any better, with only a 30 percent chance of favorable weather.
Turkmenistan’s satellite, officially named TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT, according to Spaceflight Insider, weighs 9,000 pounds and was built in France by Thales Alenia Space. The satellite will provide TV, internet, telephone and data services for commercial customers as well as national use, according to Florida Today. The satellite will relay signals for Turkmenistan's Ministry of Communications for a 15-year mission, according to Spaceflight Now.
