SpaceX on Friday blasted off a re-used Falcon 9 rocket carrying 10 satellites into orbit, its fourth launch toward a $3 billion upgrade to Virginia-based Iridium's mobile, voice and data network. The rocket, part of which had flown on a previous Iridium launch in June, lit up the night sky as it launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 5:27 pm (0127 GMT Saturday), just after sunset.
Friday's payload, known as Iridium 4, brings to 40 the number of new Iridium satellites now in orbit. A total of 81 are expected by the time the launches are complete for the global project, known as Iridium NEXT. SpaceX will launch 75 of the 81 satellites.