SpaceX launches, lands recycled rocket

SpaceX on Wednesday launched a rocket that had already flown to space and landed it successfully on an ocean platform, as part of its ongoing effort to recycle costly rocket components. On a clear autumn evening at 6.53pm (2253 GMT), the tall, white Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida carrying the Echostar 105/SES-11 satellite. “Couldn’t be more perfect weather for a launch,” said a commentator on SpaceX’s live webcast. The satellite aims to provide television coverage and communications capabilities to North America, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. More

(Source: New Straits Times Online - Oct 12)