Falcon 9 Launches Jason-3 Satellite, Landing Attempt Fails

Private space exploration company SpaceX launched NASA’s Jason-3 ocean-measuring satellite into orbit on January 17, with the secondary aim of landing the rocket on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean failing. The Falcon 9 v1.1 rocket lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base at 1:42 pm, with the spacecraft separating from the upper stage 56 minutes after liftoff.

However, the secondary aim of landing the rocket on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean failed, with SpaceX confirming on Twitter that it broken a landing leg after a “hard landing,” although it was on target.

SpaceX says the satellite will map “global sea surface height,” helping forecasters “predict devastating hurricanes and severe weather before they arrive onshore,” and helping to track the rise of global sea levels.

“Jason-3 data will be used for monitoring global sea level rise, researching human impacts on oceans, aiding prediction of hurricane intensity, and operational marine navigation,” NASA said. Credit: California, US