The first space launch took place in 2025 – SpaceX Falcon 9 delivered a communications satellite with AI

SpaceX, as the undisputed leader in earthly astronautics, was the first to open a series of launches in the new year 2025. A few hours ago (at 04:27 Moscow time), the Falcon 9 rocket took off from the launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, successfully placing the Thuraya 4 satellite into geostationary transfer orbit.

Image source: SpaceX

8 minutes and 40 seconds after takeoff, the first stage of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle returned to Earth, landing on an unmanned barge in the Atlantic Ocean. This was the 20th flight for this stage, and the 341st successful return of the first stage for SpaceX. The record for the number of launches of one stage remains at 24 launches. The company is expected to set new records for rocket stage reuse this year.

Approximately 35 minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff, the Thuraya 4 satellite separated from the rocket’s second stage and was placed into geostationary transfer orbit. From there, it will begin to rise into a geosynchronous orbit, fixed above a certain point on Earth. The satellite is operated by United Arab Emirates-based Space42 and will provide mobile communications services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for commercial and government customers.

The launch of the Thuraya 4 satellite was the 418th flight of the Falcon 9 rocket and the 435th SpaceX mission overall. In 2024, the company made 134 launches, and in 2025 their number could increase to 180.

It is noteworthy that the Thuraya 4 satellite was created by Airbus. It introduces a new generation of systems and uses “innovative AI-powered services” to improve its efficiency.