spacetoday.net: Falcon 9 launches two commercial satellites, but landing fails

Posted: Tue, Jun 21, 2016, 9:34 AM ET (1334 GMT)
Falcon 9 launch of ABS-2A and Eutlesat 117 West B (SpaceX)

SpaceX successfully launched two communications satellites June 15, but failed to land the first stage. The Falcon 9 lifted off on schedule from Cape Canaveral at 10:29 am EDT (1429 GMT) and released the Eutelsat 117 West B and ABS-2A communications satellites into geostationary transfer orbit a little more than a half-hour later. The two satellites, both Boeing 702SP all-electric satellites, are the second pair of a four-satellite purchase made by ABS and Satmex (since acquired by Eutelsat) four years ago. There were no issues with the launch itself, but the Falcon 9 first stage failed to land successfully on a ship downrange, breaking a streak of three consecutive landings. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk later said that one of three first stage engines used during the landing attempt had low thrust, and the other two were unable to compensate.