SpaceX successfully launches debut Falcon 9 v1.1 | NASASpaceFlight.com
This is kind of a big deal, because this rocket is better/faster/stronger, with enough safety margin to get a human-passenger-approved rating from NASA.
It was also the first launch from Vandenburg AFB in California, which cuts costs.
And it did something cool. After shutoff and separation, the first stage was later refired to slow descent. This is the first time ever, anywhere, that a first stage has been restarted after separation. The goal there is to have it splash somewhat gently into the ocean, where it can be recovered.
This is kind of a big deal, because this rocket is better/faster/stronger, with enough safety margin to get a human-passenger-approved rating from NASA.
It was also the first launch from Vandenburg AFB in California, which cuts costs.
And it did something cool. After shutoff and separation, the first stage was later refired to slow descent. This is the first time ever, anywhere, that a first stage has been restarted after separation. The goal there is to have it splash somewhat gently into the ocean, where it can be recovered.
