- The used rocket sent three Earth-observing satellites into space to monitor Canadian land and waters.
- The first-stage of the rocket stuck its landing approximately eight minutes after liftoff, and the satellites were deployed about an hour later.
ADVERTISEMENT
Incredible photos capture SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket piercing the fog during its successful launch
SpaceX successfully launched a used Falcon 9 rocket on a space mission for Canada on Wednesday morning.
48052269617_34447619f0_o
Despite a layer of heavy fog blanketing the launchpad, SpaceX successfully launched a used Falcon 9 rocket, which deployed three satellites before sticking a landing on the California coast.
The trio of satellites were part of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission developed by the Canadian Space Agency to observe Canada's land and oceans, as well as measure the impact of climate change on the region. The satellites will also provide maritime surveillance and assist in designing disaster relief efforts.
This Falcon 9 was used in March to ferry the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule to the International Space Station, The Verge reported.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Falcon 9 rocket took off at 7:17 am PST, piercing through the clouds after a foggy launch.
BusinessInsider USA Images
SpaceX/Flickr
SOURCE: CBS News
ADVERTISEMENT
The satellites were deployed approximately 54 minutes after liftoff.
BusinessInsider USA Images
SpaceX/Flickr
SOURCE: SpaceX
The Falcon 9 rocket is a two-stage rocket the second stage heads into orbit and the first stage comes back to Earth.
ADVERTISEMENT
BusinessInsider USA Images
SpaceX/Flickr
SOURCE: SpaceX
The first-stage landing occurred approximately eight minutes after liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket.
BusinessInsider USA Images
ADVERTISEMENT
SpaceX/Flickr
SOURCE: SpaceX
The first stage successfully landed in SpaceXs launchpad at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
BusinessInsider USA Images
SpaceX/Flickr
ADVERTISEMENT
Watch the broadcast of the launch here:
See Also:
- uBiome convinced Silicon Valley that testing poop was worth $600 million. Then the FBI came knocking. Here's the inside story.
- Elon Musk's SpaceX is developing giant Mars rockets in a sleepy town in southern Texas. Here's what it's like to visit.
- 7 places that are sinking faster than anywhere else in the US
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
ADVERTISEMENT