SpaceX Set to Launch its First Recycled Rocket

FLORIDA — (AP) SpaceX is about to launch its first recycled rocket.

The Falcon 9 rocket is on the pad at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, poised for a Thursday evening liftoff. It’s the first time SpaceX founder Elon Musk has tried to fly a salvaged booster. The first stage landed on an ocean platform almost a year ago after a launch for NASA.

SpaceX refurbished and tested the booster, which still has its original engines. It’ll aim for another sea landing once it hoists a broadcasting satellite for the SES (S-E-S) company of Luxembourg.

 

Longtime customer SES is getting a discount for agreeing to use a recycled rocket, but won’t say how much. Martin Halliwell of SES calls it a “big step” for everyone.

SpaceX looks to save time and money through recycling.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (photo:)

Missed a Show? Listen Here

Newsletter

Local Weather