by SAM
SOMMERER
[
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 .
]
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