CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - The Latest on SpaceX trying to launch first recycled supply ship to the International Space Station (all times local).:
5:21 p.m.
SpaceX has launched its first recycled cargo ship to the International Space Station.
An unmanned Falcon rocket lifted off Saturday from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center with a Dragon capsule that made a station delivery nearly three years ago.
Eight minutes later, the first-stage booster used to launch it was back home in Cape Canaveral following another successful landing. SpaceX Mission Control declared, “The Falcon has landed.” Soon afterward, the refurbished Dragon was safe in orbit.
The booster used Saturday is new, but as is now the custom, returned for a vertical touchdown. It’s all part of SpaceX’s long-term effort to save money through reusability.
As for the Dragon, when it reaches the orbiting lab Monday, it will be the first returning craft since the now-retired shuttles.
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5:07 p.m.
SpaceX has launched its first recycled cargo ship to the International Space Station.
An unmanned Falcon rocket lifted off Saturday from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center with a Dragon capsule that made a station delivery nearly three years ago. When this refurbished Dragon reaches the orbiting lab Monday, it will be the first returning craft since the now-retired shuttles.
The same capsule is back for take two after a few modifications and much testing.
The first-stage booster used Saturday is new, but as is now the custom, will attempt to return to Cape Canaveral following liftoff. It’s all part of SpaceX’s long-term effort to save money through reusability.
Besides the usual supplies, the 6,000-pound shipment includes mice and flies for research.
The flight was delayed two days by thunderstorms.
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3 p.m.
SpaceX is trying again to launch its first recycled supply ship to the International Space Station.
Forecasters at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center are cautiously optimistic storms won’t halt Saturday afternoon’s countdown like they did Thursday.
Atop the Falcon rocket is a Dragon capsule loaded with 6,000 pounds of station cargo. The same Dragon made a delivery to the orbiting outpost for NASA in 2014 and then was refurbished for an unprecedented second flight. SpaceX will attempt to recover this new rocket booster for recycling, too. The first-stage booster will aim for a landing at Cape Canaveral following liftoff.
SpaceX hopes to slash launch costs by reusing its rockets and capsules. For now, savings are minimal because of all the inspections and tests performed on the already flown parts.
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