SpaceX Rocket Clears First Stage in Launch From Cape Canaveral
The rocket re-entered the atmosphere faster and hotter than previous launches.
— -- SpaceX successfully landed the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket on an ocean platform during a mission to launch a Japanese commercial communications satellite into orbit early this morning.
The launch happened at 1:20 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk previously thought the landing would be more challenging than their previous successful landing because the rocket would be re-entering the atmosphere much faster and hotter.
Experts were skeptical about the mission, but during a live Web broadcast, SpaceX staffers erupted into applause and cheers as the rocket landed. Even the launch commentator enthusiastically declared, "The Falcon has landed."