SpaceX launched a recycled aircraft on Saturday to resupply the International Space Station.
This is a major milestone for the commercial space industry as it is the first time a spacecraft has been reused as part of an ongoing effort to drive down flight costs, the Associated Press reported.
The launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., was originally scheduled for Thursday, but due to thunderstorms was moved to Saturday.
LIFTOFF! @SpaceX’s #Dragon cargo vehicle leaves Earth, carrying cargo and science to @Space_Station. Watch: https://t.co/mzKW5uDsTi pic.twitter.com/HQL9AaEleR
— NASA (@NASA) June 3, 2017
SpaceX previously proved successful in reusing a rocket booster, which blasts the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. However, this is the first time aircraft itself was recycled. This particular Dragon capsule made a delivery to the ISS roughly three years ago.
Main engine cutoff (MECO) is confirmed. Watch as @SpaceX’s #Dragon cargo vehicle continues toward @Space_Station: https://t.co/mzKW5uDsTi pic.twitter.com/Wsvu8AgQI5
— NASA (@NASA) June 3, 2017
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station on June 4, when it will deliver the 6,000 pounds of supplies.
