SpaceX launching recycled rocket, supply capsule for NASA

Tuesday, SpaceX plans to launch its first recycled rocket for NASA. The unmanned Falcon 9 — most recently used in June — will carry up a Dragon capsule that has also flown on a previous space station supply run.

NASA’s International Space Station manager, Kirk Shireman, said the risk of launching a recycled rocket is about the same as for a brand-new one.

The private SpaceX has launched recycled rockets three times before, on commercial satellite deliveries.