A SpaceX Falcon 9 booster (B1067) has completed its 35th mission, setting a new reusability record just five years after its debut. The booster has primarily launched Starlink satellites and is approaching the space shuttle Discovery's record of 39 flights. SpaceX is now working toward qualifying Falcon 9 first stages for 40 missions each, potentially extending beyond that number given the vehicle's proven reliability.
Background
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has revolutionized spaceflight through its reusable first stage technology, dramatically reducing launch costs. The company has been incrementally increasing the number of flights per booster while maintaining safety and reliability.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jun 9, 2026 at 12:05 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10