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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Anthony Cuthbertson

‘Historic step’ as SpaceX launches first ever nuclear-powered commercial satellite

SpaceX's Transporter-17 rideshare mission lifted off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 7 July, 2026 - (AP)

The first ever commercial satellite carrying a nuclear-powered payload has launched to space aboard a SpaceX rocket.

The Transporter-17 rideshare mission lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Tuesday aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, marking a historic first for commercial space flight.

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