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Space

SpaceX Successfully Launches Largest Rideshare Mission

By Cal Biesecker

Monday, December 3rd, 2018

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SpaceX Successfully Launches Largest Rideshare Mission

Monday's launch of a Falcon 9 rocket included another successful at-sea landing of the rocket's first stage. Shown is a successfully landed first stage in 2016. Photo: SpaceX

SpaceX on Monday morning successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 64 small spacecraft for Spaceflight Industries, the largest rideshare mission from a U.S. launch vehicle.The launch also featured the successful automated landing of the Falcon 9’s first stage, which was used for the third time, marking the first time the company has used the same booster three times.The Spaceflight SSO-A: SmallSat Express mission launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., at 10:34 Pacific Standard Time and delivered the payloads…

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