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Friday, December 05, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Falcon 9" (5 articles)

Gulf Times
International

SpaceX launches two Falcon 9 rockets in back-to-back Starlink mission

The American space-technology company SpaceX conducted a dual-launch operation this week, dispatching two batches of Starlink Internet-satellites aboard two Falcon 9 rockets in the same launch window.In a statement, the company said the first Falcon 9 took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying 29 satellites into low Earth orbit. The first-stage booster successfully landed on a SpaceX drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean about 8.5 minutes after liftoff.Within the same launch window, a second Falcon 9 launched a further batch of 29 satellites. Its first-stage booster also achieved a successful drone-ship landing, while the upper stage deployed the satellites on schedule.These missions advance the Starlink network, a vast satellite constellation aiming to provide global Internet coverage; currently, thousands of satellites are already in orbit. SpaceX said such launches help maintain the constellation's frequent and rapid replenishment.The company described the flights as part of a "record pace" of Falcon 9 launches this year as it scales up capacity and reduces turnaround time between missions.

Gulf Times
International

South Korea launches fifth military spy satellite to boost defense capabilities

South Korea has launched its fifth homegrown military reconnaissance satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from a US space base in Florida, the country's Ministry of National Defense announced Sunday. The Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as scheduled and successfully placed the satellite into orbit about 14 minutes after liftoff, according to the ministry.According to Yonhap News Agency, the new satellite, equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system, is the fifth and final satellite under South Korea's plan to deploy five spy satellites by the end of this year. The constellation aims to enhance real-time monitoring of North Korea and reduce Seoul's reliance on US satellite imagery.Operating a cluster of five reconnaissance satellites will enable the rapid and precise detection of potential North Korean military activities, the ministry said, noting that the system will reinforce South Korea's three-axis deterrence structure — which includes preemptive strike, missile defense, and retaliatory capabilities.Once all five satellites are operational, South Korea is expected to achieve round-the-clock surveillance, with the ability to observe North Korea roughly every two hours.South Korea launched its first military spy satellite in December 2023, equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors capable of capturing high-resolution imagery. It has since launched three more SAR-equipped satellites capable of collecting data in all weather conditions and at any time of day.

Gulf Times
International

SpaceX launches 28 new Starlink satellites into orbit

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at 06:46 GMT, marking the company's 130th mission of the year and the rocket's 126th flight in 2025. About 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the first stage of the Falcon 9 successfully landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean. This was the eighth launch and landing for the booster, designated B1090, which had previously supported several missions, including CRS-33, O3b mPOWER-E, Crew-10, Bandwagon-3, O3b mPOWER-D, and two earlier Starlink missions. The flight, designated Starlink 10-59, expands SpaceX's rapidly growing Starlink constellation, which now includes more than 8,500 satellites designed to provide global broadband internet coverage. In addition to the Falcon 9 missions, SpaceX has also conducted four suborbital test flights of its Starship rocket this year, with a fifth test scheduled for October 13.

Gulf Times
Region

Kuwait, France conduct Joint Air Exercise to enhance combat readiness

The Kuwaiti and French Air Forces have carried out the joint air exercise "Swift Falcon" at the Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base, attended by Kuwait's Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, Major General (Pilot) Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin, and senior military officers from both countries.In a statement carried by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Kuwait's General Staff said the exercise reflects the deepening military cooperation and exchange of field expertise between the two nations. The drill aims to strengthen combat readiness and enhance the ability to conduct joint operations with greater efficiency.Maj. Gen. Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah stressed the importance of advancing training and qualification programs, while reinforcing partnerships with friendly countries. He praised the participating forces for their high level of preparedness and coordination in implementing the training scenarios.


Al Abdulghani Motors booth at S’hail 2025.
Qatar

Al Abdulghani Motors celebrates success of S’hail 2025 as exclusive mobility partner

Al Abdulghani Motors, the authorised distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, marked the successful conclusion of the ninth edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falcon Exhibition – S’hail 2025 in its role as the event’s exclusive mobility partner.This marks Al Abdulghani Motors’ first participation in S’hail, underscoring its long-standing commitment to supporting Qatar’s cultural heritage and fostering deeper engagement with the local community, particularly those passionate about hunting and falconry.S’hail is one of the world’s leading events dedicated to falconry, hunting, and camping.It draws top local and international companies showcasing the latest technologies and specialised equipment tailored for hunting enthusiasts.These include advanced off-road vehicle outfitting, caravans designed for desert and safari adventures, as well as the newest falconry gear and camping innovations.“We are delighted to have made our debut at S’hail, an exhibition that truly embodies Qatar’s spirit and rich cultural legacy,” said Al Abdulghani Motors chief executive Abdulghani Nasser al-Abdulghani. “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve and promote the cherished traditions of hunting and falconry on a global stage.”Blending innovation with cultural heritage, Al Abdulghani Motors unveiled a uniquely designed exhibition booth at S’hail 2025, inspired by Qatar’s desert landscapes.The booth featured a lineup of standout off-road models, including the Toyota Prado, the LX700h Overtrail, and a Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid.The booth also offered visitors a unique opportunity to explore the exceptional performance and advanced technologies of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.Additionally, a specially modified Toyota Land Cruiser 300, equipped with advanced technologies and exclusive enhancements tailored for hunting and outdoor adventures, was showcased at the main entrance of the exhibition.