SpaceX next rocket launch could be from AMAZON BASE after successful Falcon 9 mission

Reaching a top speed of more than 27,600 km/h, the Falcon 9 blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, carrying three satellite payloads shortly after 9.17am EST (2.17pm GMT) today.

And according to Brazil’s defence minister, SpaceX‘s billionaire owner Elon Musk has his sights on launching a rocket from the Amazon.

SpaceX hopes to successfully deliver the 12,000 satellites into space by the year 2020 as part of a project to deliver widespread internet coverage to the US and rest of the world.

Brazil’s defence minister Raul Jungmann said on Thursday that SpaceX, Boeing and other companies have expressed interest in launching rockets from Alcantara military base in the nation’s Amazon region.

Mr Jungmann added that a delegation of interested parties had visited the site last year.

He did not elaborate on whether representatives from SpaceX were part of that delegation.

However, a spokesman for Boeing confirmed to Express.co.uk that executives for their company did attend the meetings. Although no decisions were made.

Boeing’s Jerry Drelling added: “Boeing sees this as an exciting time in the space industry as we build rockets for launch, test new spaceships, and develop innovative technologies for keeping humans alive on orbit in deep space.

“International partnerships will play an important role in making that a reality, and we look forward to Brazil’s participation.”

The Brazilian defence minister also said his nation’s government hopes that “several countries” and companies will decide to make use of Amazon base.

Mr Jungmann did not indicate how far along any talks were.

Express.co.uk has contacted SpaceX and Boeing for comment.

SpaceX was given the green light to begin work on the Starlink project earlier this month after the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the project.

FCC chairman Ajit Pai welcomed the bold plan, praising SpaceX for attempting to deliver widespread internet overage to the US and rest of the world.

Mr Pai said: “To bridge America’s digital divide, we’ll have to use innovative technologies.

“SpaceX’s application — along with those of other satellite companies seeking licenses or access to the US market for nongeostationary satellite orbit systems — involves one such innovation.

“Satellite technology can help reach Americans who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fibre-optic cables and cell towers do not reach.”