SpaceX Continues Advancements in Reusability with Historic Launch

December 19, 2017 -- A refurbished SpaceX Dragon capsule arrived at the International Space Station on Sunday after a historic launch. Launched Friday, December 15th from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the capsule delivered more than two tons of supplies for the crew as well as scientific research equipment. This trip marks the first time SpaceX has launched a reused Dragon capsule from atop a recycled Falcon 9 rocket, as well as the first time a recycled rocket has ever been used in a cargo mission for NASA. This Dragon cargo ship was used on a previous resupply mission in April 2015, and the Falcon 9 rocket was the launch vehicle for a different Dragon capsule’s mission to the ISS in June of this year.  

Reusing the rocket and spacecraft in the same mission greatly contributes to the overall cost reduction and positions SpaceX closer to their ultimate goal of complete reusability. With VPT parts on board both the Dragon capsule and the Falcon 9 rocket, we are honored to be a part of this historic mission. We congratulate SpaceX on their success and continued advancements in reusability. 

To watch video of the Dragon capsule’s arrival at ISS, see here.