SpaceX successfully launched its updated Falcon 9 rocket, featuring improved engines, a new heat shield, retractable legs and a thermal coating, aimed at increasing reuse to one hundred times. The rocket delivered Bangladesh's first satellite, Bangabandhu-1, developed to reduce the nation's reliance on other nations' satellites where renting time costs the nation around $250m per year. Bangabandhu-1 cost roughly $14m and is expected to last a minimum of 15 years. The Falcon 9 rocket has been redesigned with a view to eventually accommodating crewed missions.
SpaceX successfully launched its updated Falcon 9 rocket, featuring improved engines, a new heat shield, retractable legs and a thermal coating, aimed at increasing reuse to one hundred times. The rocket delivered Bangladesh's first satellite, Bangabandhu-1, developed to reduce the nation's reliance on other nations' satellites where renting time costs the nation roughly $14m per year. Bangabandhu-1 cost around $250m and is expected to last a minimum of 15 years. The Falcon 9 rocket has been redesigned with a view to eventually accommodating crewed missions.