SpaceX launched a communications satellite from Florida overnight Saturday for the Turkish company Turksat.

Elon Musk's rocket firm launched the Turksat 5B satellite aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station during a two-hour window that opened at 10:58 pm.

Space Force forecasters had predicted only a 20% chance that weather could postpone the launch.

"The primary weather concern for launch day is cumulus clouds potentially associated with showers in advance of this front," according to the forecast.

Another attempt would be made 24 hours later in event of a delay.

European firm Airbus Defense and Space built the satellite in England and France, with significant Turkish contributions.

The spacecraft will provide television and Internet broadcast services over Turkey, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

SpaceX launched a similar satellite, Turksat 5A, for the company in January. The two satellites use electric propulsion to control their orbits.

Source: United Press International

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