How SpaceX Cut Rocket Costs by Reusing Its Rockets

At a glance

SpaceX chose not to throw rockets away after one flight. It lands part of each Falcon 9 on an unmanned ship so it can be used again. Reusing expensive parts can lower the cost of the next launch.

Key points

1. 1

   Most rockets in the past could hardly be reused after one flight.

2. 2

   SpaceX's Falcon 9 lands part of the rocket on land or on an unmanned ship at sea for reuse.

3. 3

   The company says reuse is a key way to lower the cost of going to space.

Why it matters

The writer says cutting costs is not only about spending less, but also about finding where money keeps going out and how to spend it more efficiently.