It’s becoming almost routine. SpaceX launches a rocket, then catches the first stage on a droneship, sticking the landing with the precision of Simone Biles.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, SpaceX launched a video and data transmission satellite into geostationary orbit. The satellite was launched as a backup satellite for the SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, which runs a satellite TV service in Japan, among other satellite communications.
The successful landing of the first stage rocket was a win for SpaceX, which had a successful launch and landing in July, but a successful launch and failed landing in June. The company hopes to start reusing rockets in September or October of this year.
Watch the whole 50-minute webcast of Sunday’s launch and landing above, or scroll through some of the highlights in pictures below.
SpaceX Launch
SpaceX Launch
Stuck The Landing
Launch Path