SpaceX launches two rockets and lands them within a single weekend

SpaceX successfully completed two Falcon 9 missions within 49 hours of each other this weekend. On Friday evening, the company launched a used Falcon 9 rocket for the second time; on Sunday evening it launched a new one.

Sunday’s launch took place from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The aim was to bring 10 satellites of communication company Iridium into low earth orbit. SpaceX has launched the first 20 of a total of 75 satellites for the company into space. As with previous launches, the goal here was to land the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket on a sea platform so that it can be used again. That worked, despite the heavy weather.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk predicted that it would be a difficult landing. The platform, called Just Read The Instructions, had to be moved as a result. The Falcon 9 rocket used at launch was fitted with new grid fins. These should ensure increased precision in the landing process of the missile. The new grid fins are made of titanium instead of aluminum, making them according to Musk can be used for a large number of flights without maintenance. The grid fins consist of a single piece of cast and cut titanium and require no additional protection.

Friday night’s launch marked the second time SpaceX had used a used Falcon 9 first stage. It has long been SpaceX’s strategy to recycle rockets to reduce costs. In addition, it wants to make launches faster in succession, of which this weekend’s missions were a demonstration.

On Friday, a communications satellite for a Bulgarian TV company was launched into space. Quartz says it’s rare for launches to happen within 48 hours of each other by the same organization. The last time this happened was in 2008, when it involved SpaceX competitor United Launch Alliance. By demonstrating the ability to perform multiple launches in a short period of time, SpaceX could win new major orders.