2016 Annual Report

Science News | DECEMBER 24, 2016 BLAST OFF

On August 14, 2016, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rock- et launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and safely shepherded a commercial communications satellite into Earth’s orbit. By the end of 2016, the aero- space company had reported six successful landings — two on land and four at sea — of its reusable Falcon 9 rocket. Such rockets could transform spaceflight by making it cheaper and more efficient.

46 | 2016 ANNUAL REPORT | SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC