Kacific1 was launched successfully into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 7:10 p.m.EST (UTC-4) on December 16, 2019, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, USA — the satellite was placed into its target geostationary transfer orbit 33 minutes following initial ignition.

Owned by Kacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific), the Boeing-built communications satellite will stream high-speed broadband to 25 nations in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands via 56 high-throughput beams.

The launch of Kacific's Kacific1 satellite via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Launch photo is courtesy of SpaceX.

Kacific1 will cover Indonesia, The Philippines, Timor-Leste and South Asia with 28 spot beams, while the Pacific Islands and New Zealand will be covered with a further 28 beams.

Following a sequence of in-orbit maneuvers and tests that are expected to take approximately six weeks, Kacific1 is scheduled to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2020.

Christian Patouraux, Kacific founder and CEO, said Kacific1 is the newest and most powerful commercial satellite operating in the Asia-Pacific region, placing Kacific in an excellent position to grow alongside these markets. The satellites range of services, from mobile backhaul to broadband internet via VSAT terminals, will provide a catalyst for positive change in the nations it is about to serve. The company is thrilled to start seeing the social and economic impact of Kacific1.

Kacific’s first launch was celebrated in Florida by more than 160 guests from across Asia Pacific who represented telecommunication and internet service provider customers, government agencies and regulators, not-for-profit organisations, universities and Kacific investors, management and staff.

Patouraux added that celebrating this launch with Kacific’s international supporters has been an incredible and affirming experience.