In Photos: SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Huge EchoStar 23 Satellite

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Falcon 9 and EchoStar 23 Lift Off

Falcon 9 and EchoStar 23 Lift Off

Credit: SpaceX

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the EchoStar 23 communications satellite lifts off on March 16, 2017.

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Falcon 9 Burning Bright

Falcon 9 Burning Bright

Credit: SpaceX

The Merlin engines powering SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket burn bright shortly after the launch of the EchoStar 23 satellite on March 16, 2017.

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Falcon 9 Second Stage Lights Up

Falcon 9 Second Stage Lights Up

Credit: SpaceX

The second stage of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket fires up to carry the EchoStar 23 satellite to the desired orbit on March 16, 2017.

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EchoStar 23 Flying Solo

EchoStar 23 Flying Solo

Credit: SpaceX

The EchoStar 23 communications satellite separates from the second stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on March 16, 2017.

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Falcon 9 and EchoStar 23 Before Liftoff

Falcon 9 and EchoStar 23 Before Liftoff

Credit: SpaceX

The EchoStar 23 satellite and its SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sit poised to lift off on March 16, 2017.

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EchoStar 23 Falcon 9 Launch Pad

EchoStar 23 Falcon 9 Launch Pad

Credit: SpaceX

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the EchoStar 23 communications satellite is seen atop Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of its planned predawn launch on March 14, 2017.

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SpaceX Falcon 9 Static Fire for EchoStar 23

SpaceX Falcon 9 Static Fire for EchoStar 23

Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX test fires the first stage engines of a Falcon 9 rocket on Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on March 9, 2017. The Falcon 9 rocket will launch the EchoStar 23 communications satellite into orbit on March 14, according to SpaceX.

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EchoStar 23 Meets Rocket Fairing

EchoStar 23 Meets Rocket Fairing

Credit: SpaceX

The EchoStar 23 satellite (right) is prepared for launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in this prelaunch image.

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Behold, EchoStar 23!

Behold, EchoStar 23!

Credit: Space Systems Loral

The EchoStar 23 communications satellite is seen in this stunning view captured before its planned March 14 launch.

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EchoStar 23: One Last Look

EchoStar 23: One Last Look

Credit: Space Systems Loral

One more look at the EchoStar 23 communications satellite as it is prepared for a March 14, 2017 launch into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

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Preparing EchoStar 23 for Launch

Preparing EchoStar 23 for Launch

Credit: Space Systems Loral

Another look at the EchoStar 23 satellite as it is prepared for a March 2017 launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

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EchoStar 23 Mission Emblem

EchoStar 23 Mission Emblem

Credit: SpaceX

The mission emblem for SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launch carrying the EchoStar 23 satellite into orbit.

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