SpaceX's returned booster rocket back in hangar

SpaceX's returned booster rocket back in hangar
In this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, photo, provided by SpaceX, the used Falcon 9 first stage rocket is seen in a hangar at Cape Canaveral, Fla. This represents SpaceX's first successful fly back and landing of a rocket booster. This leftover booster returned to land, following liftoff on a satellite-delivery mission, on Dec. 21, 2015. (SpaceX via AP)

SpaceX's booster rocket, the Falcon, is back in its nest following a historic landing.

The California company led by Elon Musk shared a picture of the returned booster Sunday. The used Falcon 9 is shown on its side inside a hangar at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Musk says no damage was found.

The booster carried satellites aloft Dec. 21, then flew back to its specified landing zone, a first for an orbital mission. It landed upright on legs.

Musk plans to fire the booster again in a test to demonstrate rocket reusability. This particular booster won't fly again, given its significance. Another landing could occur as early as next month on a space station supply run for NASA.

SpaceX wants to reuse rockets to save time and money.

© 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Citation: SpaceX's returned booster rocket back in hangar (2016, January 4) retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2016-01-spacex-booster-rocket-hangar.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

SpaceX launches rocket six months after accident, then lands

11 shares

Feedback to editors