SpaceX launches satellite using new Block 5 Falcon 9 rocket
SpaceX's newest rocket launched Friday afternoon from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida carrying the Bangabandhu Satellite-1.
The Block 5 rocket later successfully landed on the drone ship, rather than on one of the landing pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
SpaceX's new-generation Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket carried a geostationary communication satellite for the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. It will be the first communications satellite launched for Bangladesh.
The Block 5, which was designed to be reusable. Improvements include a reusable heat shield that protects the rocket’s engines and titanium.
SpaceX officials said they can reuse each Falcon 9 booster up to 100 times. They can turn around a booster for reuse in 48 hours.
The communications satellite will provide broadcasting and other communications services across Bangladesh.
The Cox Media Group National Content Desk contributed to this report.
