SpaceX reusable launch system development program

Common card · No. 371507

SpaceX has privately funded the development of orbital launch systems that can be reused many times, similar to the reusability of aircraft. SpaceX has developed technologies since the 2010s to facilitate full and rapid reuse of space launch vehicles. The project's long-term objectives include returning a launch vehicle first stage to the launch site within minutes and to return a second stage to the launch pad, following orbital realignment with the launch site and atmospheric reentry in up to 24 hours. SpaceX's long term goal is reusability of both stages of their orbital launch vehicles, and the first stage would be designed to allow reuse a few hours after return. While development of reusable second stages for Falcon 9 was later abandoned in favor of Starship, SpaceX developed reusable payload fairings for the Falcon 9. The program was announced in 2011. SpaceX first achieved a successful landing and recovery of a first stage in December 2015. The first re-flight of a landed first...

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