

This mission launched Jand was the first time a Dragon spacecraft was reused.ī1035 flew again Dec. This core acted as the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket that propelled a Dragon spacecraft into orbit.ĬRS stands for Commercial Resupply Service and is part of NASA’s contract with SpaceX to provide U.S.-based supply launches to ISS. The first, CRS-11, was a resupply mission to ISS. Our newest addition launched as part of two NASA missions. As it approaches its landing target, two retro burns are performed to ease the rocket into a safe landing. The core is equipped with extendable landing legs that deploy as the core gets closer to the ground. Together with a second stage, it’s known as the Falcon 9 v1.2 (Block 3). Its nine engines Merlin 1D help it lift payloads into space and land the core safely on the ground. The core itself is about 47.7 meters tall, 3.1 meters in diameter. Walk underneath this marvel of reusable space technology and learn more about how it is making space more accessible. It’s one of only two SpaceX Falcon 9 boosters on display and the first commercial space exhibit for Space Center Houston. In our newest exhibit, the Falcon 9 core, or first stage, B1035 is displayed horizontally and elevated 14 feet off the ground near Independence Plaza. Thanks to the generosity of SpaceX, get an up-close look at that future for yourself. The future of space travel is reusable rockets.

As part of its Falcon 9 rocket series, SpaceX has proven it can launch, land and reuse a stage of a rocket. SpaceX continues this tradition with its reusable rocket program.
