After a series of failed attempts and crashes, the launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 flight 20 on Dec. 22, 2015, was a success. In addition to lifting off and deploying 11 communications satellites into orbit, the rocket achieved a historic first when it returned to Earth in a controlled descent and landed upright.  During a Continue reading "Dec. 22, 2015: Falcon 9 launches" The post Dec. 22, 2015: Falcon 9 launches appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .