A Falcon 9 booster turns five years old—and just set a remarkable reuse record

Just over five years ago, a pristine Falcon 9 rocket embarked on its inaugural mission, successfully delivering a Cargo Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station. In the years following its launch, this particular first stage booster, known as B 1067, has predominantly been engaged in deploying Starlink satellites into orbit while also supporting astronaut missions and various commercial flights. On Monday morning, B 1067 soared into the sky once again, carrying 29 Starlink Internet satellites to low-Earth orbit from a launch site in Florida. After completing this mission, the booster landed safely on the drone ship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' in the Atlantic Ocean, marking its impressive 35th mission. This achievement solidifies its status as the leading booster in SpaceX’s fleet. This successful launch brings SpaceX one step closer to its ambitious target of having its Falcon 9 first stage boosters capable of supporting 40 missions each. Originally set over two years ago, this goal reflects the company’s commitment to maximizing the utility of its seasoned boosters, which have consistently performed well across numerous launches. In an era where Falcon 9 launches have become routine, occurring multiple times each week, the significance of reaching 35 missions is often overlooked. While it may seem unremarkable amidst the frequency of these flights, the Falcon 9 rocket remains a cornerstone of SpaceX’s achievements. The company’s forthcoming IPO, whether viewed as a lucrative investment opportunity or a risky venture, largely hinges on the value generated by the Falcon 9 vehicle.