A Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida to put two commercial communications satellites into orbit.

It was the 16th launch for SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and the first dual launch to geosynchronous transfer orbit for the Hawthorne, California company, according to reports.

The 224-foot (68-meter) tall rocket lifted off from its seaside launch pad at 10:50 p.m. EDT/0350 GMT, illuminating nighttime skies as it headed toward space.

The Falcon 9 rocket is carrying an ABS-3A spacecraft for Asia Broadcasting System and an Eutelsat 115 West B for the French telecommunications company, Eutelsat.

Both satellites were constructed by Boeing Satellite Systems.

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