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SpaceX to cut launch costs with reusable rocket

OCT 03, 2011
Physics Today
Ars Technica : The technological hurdles involved might be daunting, but Elon Musk, founder of the privately held SpaceX, intends to build a reusable version of the Falcon 9 rocket. After separating from the launch vehicle, the Falcon 9’s first and second stages would return to Earth, arresting their descent with rockets. Individual rockets would then be heavier, more complicated, and more expensive. But if it turns out that SpaceX can reuse the hardware, the company’s overall costs for space launch would be reduced.
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