Elon Musk’s SpaceX made history as it sent its landmark recycled rocked back into space. This launch was all the more remarkable since it marked a comeback for SpaceX after the unfortunate incident at Cape Canaveral Pad back in September which effectively halted all flights for SpaceX.
This is termed as a ‘revolutionary’ achievement for space technology, as it ushers in a new era of reusable rockets that can cut down the cost of spaceflight by multi folds. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 blasted off from Cape Canaveral at 6:27 pm ET (11:27 pm BST), before it landed back on the firm’s drone ship for the second time.
The first such landing was done back on April 8, 2016, where Dragon rocket was launched and took food and supplies to astronauts aboard the International Space Station and then landed on a drone ship. After recovery, Dragon was taken back to Port Canaveral which underwent detailed post-flight inspection, refurbishing, and testing before the second launch yesterday.
‘We’ve had an incredible day, an amazing day for space as a whole, and for the space industry,’ said Elon Musk. ‘It’s been 15 years to get to this point, but I’m just incredible proud of the SpaceX teram for being able to achieve this – I’m sort of at a loss for word.’
The rocket was pictures pictured tearing through the skies as a Virgin Airlines passenger jet, which had just departed Orlando International Airport, flies by.
SpaceX’s ultimate goal is to send the SES-10 satellite – built by Airbus Defence and Space – into orbit around the planet on the reusable rocket, which will prove the long-term viability of the concept and cut down costs and waste in the space industry.
The satellite will be used to send direct-to-home television and high-speed internet services across Latin America and the Caribbean. SES has been a very staunch supporter of SpaceX and was their first commercial customer.
‘Having been the first commercial satellite operator to launch with SpaceX back in 2013, we are excited to once again be the first customer to launch on SpaceX’s first ever mission using a flight-proven rocket,’
Martin Halliwell, chief technology officer at SES, said. ‘We believe reusable rockets will open up a new era of spaceflight, and make access to space more efficient in terms of cost and manifest management.’
What did we ever do to deserve a genius like Elon Musk and his capable team!