Final Falcon 9

This is for those of you who like news about Elon Musk's SpaceX. Use the link if you want more engineering details.

Falcon 9 is the rocket SpaceX has used for years. The first stage is reusable - a tremendous innovation that made launches hugely less expensive than they used to be when a brand new first stage was required for every launch. 

photo: spaceflightinsider

"Block 5" is the latest and final major design revision to Falcon 9, moving toward the goal to make space travel more comparable to air travel on earth. Engine thrust is increased by 8%, making this version about twice as powerful as the first Falcon 9 in 2010.

They've also made the first stage more reusable. Instead of good for two flights, "it's designed to do 10 or more flights with no refurbishment between each flight. The only thing that needs to change is to reload propellant and fly again."

The Block 5 Falcon 9 will meet NASA's requirements for crewed flight.

Here's the May 11 launch for a Bangladesh satellite, featuring Falcon 9's 25th safe return of a first stage booster.

(from https://www.space.com/40582-elon-musk-explains-spacex-falcon-9-block-5.html)