SpaceX relaunches a first stage

SpaceX successfully relaunched a first stage. From the launch video, the first stage is 80% of the launch cost and the fuel costs only 0.4%.

YouTube

So assuming one or two relaunches per rocket on average, the cost of spaceflight just came down by half.

Originally posted by twhitehead
SpaceX successfully relaunched a first stage. From the launch video, the first stage is 80% of the launch cost and the fuel costs only 0.4%.

[youtube]rWiOimJsdBM[/youtube]

So assuming one or two relaunches per rocket on average, the cost of spaceflight just came down by half.

They are also re-using the top shroud which made a soft landing in the ocean. That alone costs 6 milllion US.

Originally posted by sonhouse
They are also re-using the top shroud which made a soft landing in the ocean. That alone costs 6 milllion US.

Interesting. I knew they planned to eventually reuse almost everything, but didn't know they had done it yet.