SpaceX rocket recycling

When SpaceX next launches a cargo mission to the International Space Station, it will try to land and reuse the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket rather than allowing it to fall to Earth and be destroyed
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Second stage (with Dragon capsule): Can carry six tonnes of cargo into space and return three tonnes to Earth

Hypersonic grid fins (x4): Unfold during descent to aid stability

First stage Incorporates nine Merlin engines – fuelled by liquid oxygen and kerosene – able to produce up to 1.5 million pounds of thrust

68.4m

Landing legs: Fold down to stabilise rocket on barge

Merlin engines

LAUNCH

Stage separation

Booster flips over before descent

Dragon capsule continues to space station

Soft landing on barge

Lift-off

Land

Ocean

Landing

First stage: Rocket must slow from nearly 5,800km/h to zero, and not miss barge. Odds of success said to be 50% at best

LANDING barge: Unmanned and size of football field. Not anchored but powerful thrusters keep it in place
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30m

90m
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Sources: SpaceX, wire agencies

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