SpaceX books its first customer to use a launch an SES satellite using a used Falcon 9 rocket.
SpaceX is now poised to embark on its first commercial mission to launch a cargo using a used Falcon 9 rocket, but the Chief Technology Officer at SES, Martin Halliwell simply puts it "a flight-proven" rocket, the Daily Mail reported.
SES has been requiring SpaceX's services since 2013, which resulted in the company being the first commercial satellite operator to work with the private aerospace manufacturer.
SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, claims that developing reusable rockets is the future of space flight. The main aim was to develop a rocket that is capable of completing its mission to transport precious cargo onto space, while having the capability to return to Earth safely.
The Falcon 9 rocket has been tested to successfully land on a ground base, as well as on a landing platform above the surface of the ocean. This contract will mark SpaceX's first commercial mission to use a recycled rocket.
Reusable rockets have been touted as the solution to cut significant costs to space flight, with the obvious benefit of having to reuse resources, all the while keeping the integrity of the mission intact, according to Phys.org.
Halliwell and Musk apparently has the same principle in mind despite running different companies. The partnership has been a fruitful one, since 2013.
SpaceX has successfully developed a reusable rocket in the form of the Falcon 9, which stands 15 stories tall, and usually equipped with nine engines. Previous space missions from various aerospace bodies results in large amounts of discarded materials, while the majority of which end up on the sea bed.
The Falcon 9 is a two-stage vessel, which would see the first-stage return to home base to be used on future missions, although the second-stage would still be discarded, it is still considered a more efficient way of space flight.
