By William Harwood CBS News May 10, 2018, 1:32 PM
SpaceX set to launch its first "block 5" Falcon 9 rocket
Last Updated May 10, 2018 1:33 PM EDT
SpaceX is readying an upgraded version of its Falcon 9 rocket for launch Thursday -- the first of its kind. The "block 5" version of the booster incorporates numerous design changes to improve performance and safety, while allowing the company to refly first stages 10 times or more. The launch Thursday will boost Bangladesh's first communications satellite into orbit.
Along with helping SpaceX streamline launch operations, the block 5 booster eventually will be used to launch astronauts to the International Space Station as well as high-priority national security payloads for the Pentagon. The block 5 upgrades are designed to meet the stringent safety requirements for such missions.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-readies-first-block-5-falcon-9-for-launch-today-2018-05-10/
