SpaceX launches spaceflights to ISS with reusable rocket

SpaceX has successfully launched a reusable version of its Falcon 9 rocket. The space mission is intended to supply the International Space Station, but was also a test for the development of a rocket that can be used more than once.

The Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon space capsule was successfully launched on Friday, SpaceX reports. The CRS-3 mission is intended for the International Space Station, which is to be supplied with supplies. These include parts for the Robotnaut 2, a humanoid robot that performs various tasks on the space station. On board the Dragon capsule are a set of ‘legs’ that should give the robot more freedom of movement.

Part of the mission for SpaceX is to try out a reusable version of its Falcon 9 rocket. Last year, SpaceX already conducted so-called Grasshopper tests several times, in which the rocket lifted off the ground to return to its launch pad after reaching a certain height. The supply to the ISS is thus the first serious test for the reusable rocket, which after launch and detachment from the Dragon capsule was directed to the Atlantic Ocean to crash. At the time of writing, boats are en route to salvage the rocket, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said know.

Future versions of the Falcon 9 reusable rocket should be able to return to land, similar to the way it was done in the Grasshopper tests. The development of reusable rockets should make setting up space missions cheaper.