SpaceX pulls off another satellite launch

The launch vehicle’s mainstage booster then making a swift return landing on an ocean platform, a live webcast showed. It was the second successful landing at sea for Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, which intends to offer cut-rate launch services by reusing its rockets.

SpaceX successfully landed a rocket on a floating landing pad in April after four failed attempts. Another Falcon rocket touched down on a landing pad on the ground in December.

Before Friday’s launch, SpaceX had downplayed expectations for the rocket’s successful return. Unlike the April mission, the rocket flying on Friday had little fuel left over for engine burns to slow its descent after sending a hefty television broadcast satellite on its way to orbit.