The Falcon fleet’s life leading rocket completed its 19th and final launch and landing on December 23. This one reusable rocket booster alone launched to orbit 2 astronauts and more than 860 satellites — totaling 260+ metric tons — in ~3.5 years.
This Falcon 9 booster is celebrated for executing the first-ever crewed flight of a SpaceX Dragon capsule, notably ferrying astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station. It also set a record by launching 860 satellites and over 260 metric tons of cargo in just over three years. Its exterior, adorned with the iconic red "NASA" logo, is a testament to its pivotal role in space exploration.
The booster's final mission was completed in late December 2023, with plans for its retirement already in place. However, rough seas on the recovery droneship led to its unexpected end. Despite this, SpaceX continues to innovate, with newer Falcon 9 models featuring upgraded landing legs to prevent similar incidents.
3 other Falcon 9 B5 Boosters are currently tied with 17 flights each: 60, 61, & 62.