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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40 took on July 22, 2018 at 1:50 a.m. EDT (05:50 GMT). The mission got underway at the opening of a four-hour long launch window. The weather was predicted to provide a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions for the flight. However, thick cumulus clouds stayed far enough away from the area to allow for an on-time liftoff. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, the spacecraft weighs about 15,600 pounds (7,076 kilograms) and is designed to operate for about 15 years. It’s two solar panels are expected to provide about 15 kilowatts of power. Photos courtesy: Scott Schilke
