The Falcon 9 is a two stage orbital launch vehicle built by SpaceX that first flew in 2010, designed from the outset for reliability and, eventually, reuse. It became the first orbital class rocket capable of routinely landing and reflying its first stage, a capability that substantially lowered the cost of orbital launch and has since carried both cargo and crew to orbit.
Facts
SignificanceFirst orbital class rocket booster to achieve a controlled vertical landing, on flight 20 in December 2015, opening the way to routine reuse of the first stage. 1 Manufacturer or Builder Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Falcon 9
WikipediaIntroduction, opening sentence
Falcon 9 is a partially reusable, two-stage-to-orbit, medium-lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured in the United States by SpaceX.
Introduction, opening paragraph
The first Falcon 9 launch was on June 4, 2010, and the first Commercial Resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) launched on October 8, 2012.
Introduction, second paragraph, booster reuse
The booster is capable of landing vertically to facilitate reuse, a feat which was first achieved on flight 20 in December 2015.
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