SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Blasts Off From Cape Canaveral with Japanese Satellite

Washington — SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket with Japan’s JCSAT-16 communications satellite was launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The launch took place at 05:26 GMT. The satellite of the Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation will be delivered to a geostationary orbit.

The first stage of the rocket successfully landed on a drone ship.

“First stage landing confirmed on the droneship. Second stage & JCSAT-16 continuing to orbit,” the company said on its Twitter page.

SpaceX started experimenting with drone ship landings in 2015. After a successful drone ship landing in April, Musk said that the Falcon 9 booster could be used for 10-20 more flights, and that with the help of some modifications, the rocket could fly up to 100 times. (PNA/Sputnik) BNB/SSC