SpaceX launched a Turkish communications satellite into orbit late Thursday.
The technology company’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the US state of Florida, carrying the Turksat 5A satellite.
The satellite will settle into orbit in four months and start service in the second half of 2021, according to Turkey’s Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, which said the nation’s frequency and orbit rights are guaranteed for the next 30 years.
Turkish 5A satellite will provide Ku-band television broadcast services over Turkey, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.