CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- SpaceX successfully launched its first recycled rocket Thursday evening.
The Falcon 9 rocket launched from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. It's the first time SpaceX founder Elon Musk has tried to fly a salvaged booster. The first stage landed on an ocean platform almost a year ago after a launch for NASA.
[Ads /]
SpaceX refurbished and tested the booster, which still has its original engines. It landed once it hoisted a broadcasting satellite for the SES (S-E-S) company of Luxembourg.
Longtime customer SES is getting a discount for agreeing to use a recycled rocket, but won't say how much. Martin Halliwell of SES calls it a "big step" for everyone.
[Ads /]
SpaceX looks to save time and money through recycling.