SpaceX will target Thursday evening for a Falcon 9 rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center, and if successful this launch will be another first.
- SpaceX targeting Thursday evening for Falcon 9 rocket launch
- Launch to utilize reused first stage for first time
- SpaceX will also attempt a landing in the Atlantic
- RELATED: Rocket Launch Schedule
The Falcon 9 rocket will reuse a first stage section of a previously launched rocket.
Normally the first stage of a rocket comes apart and burns up on reentry. But SpaceX has been landing its first stage sections for the last several months.
This launch will be the first time one of those first stages will launch with a new rocket. The hope is that reusing rocket first stages will greatly reduce the cost of space travel.
SpaceX will also attempt to land that first stage on its drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
The rocket will be carrying an SES-10 communications satellite, which will provide telecommunications services for Central and South America.
Launch window is set to open at 6 p.m.