SpaceX successfully launched AsiaSat 8 satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit aboard its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.
Falcon 9 is a new rocket that features a simple two-stage design to minimize the number of stage separations. The first stage has nine engines. An all-pneumatic, low-shock stage separation system that can be tested on the ground is used instead of pyrotechnic systems used on most launch vehicles. The second stage has a single engine.
AsiaSat 8 is a Space Systems/Loral 1300 series satellite with 24 Ku-band transponders and a Ka-band payload. It will be co-located with AsiaSat 7 for Asian and international programming.
http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/spacex_presskit.pdf
