by SAM
SOMMERER
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Developed by Elon Musk’ s SpaceX, the Falcon 9 offers a glimpse into the future of space travel, using reusable rockets to improve efficiency and lower the cost of launches.
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SpaceX’ s Falcon 9 rockets have already made history. In 2012, it successfully docked at the International Space Station, making SpaceX the first commercial company to do so. Three years later, SpaceX accomplished something far more important. On December 21, 2015, it successfully landed Falcon 9’ s first stage after launch.
The Falcon 9, like its namesake, breaks through a new plane of human capabilities in space travel. Before the creation of the Falcon 9, a lack of technological sophistication in our rockets hindered our ventures into space, costing billions of dollars to launch single-use rockets for every mission. In everyday terms, that’ s like buying and tossing away a new
car every time you ride it to a destination. Thus, reusability in rockets is essential to cut down costs of space travel and allow for more frequent trips. With NASA and other government agencies unable to produce their own solutions, private corporations like SpaceX have stepped in, offering an answer to the space industry’ s most pressing need.
The Falcon 9’ s most impressive feature is its ability to return back to base after a launch. As the rocket enters space, different stages detach from each other, allowing for the second stage with cargo or passengers to boost to its target location. However, the first stage and interstage do not simply disappear into dark space, but rather reposition
14 | THE BELL NUCLEUS