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SpaceX marks further progress in reusable satellite launchers

Written by NTN staff
08/10/18

SpaceX has carried off its first West Coast launch and landing of its Falcon 9 rocket. This is the 30th landing of a booster, but the rest have happened on land in Florida and from platforms out at sea.

The rocket, carrying an Argentinian satellite, blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base, near Santa Barbara, around 7:20 p.m. Sunday, and landed on a concrete pad at the base about 15 minutes later.

SpaceX has developed reusable rockets in a bid to significantly lower launch costs.

Argentina's satellite SAOCOM 1A will track natural disasters, crop yields and soil-moisture levels from 385 miles (620km) above the earth.