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SpaceX successfully launches and lands used rocket

"BulgariaSat-1 is the first geostationary communications satellite in Bulgaria’s history," SpaceX said.

By Brooks Hays

June 23 (UPI) -- SpaceX successfully launched and landed a used rocket on Friday afternoon. The Falcon 9 rocket blasted-off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., at 3:10 p.m. EDT.

Just a few minutes later, the rocket's first stage landed safely on a floating platform in the Atlantic Ocean.

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The Falcon 9 rocket was previously launched in January from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It was returned to a platform in the Pacific.

Friday's feat is the second time SpaceX has launched and landed a previously launched rocket.

The rocket's upper stage is carrying a Bulgarian geostationary communications satellite into orbit. The satellite was designed and built by Space Systems Loral, or SSL.

"BulgariaSat-1 is designed based on SSL's proven 1300 series platform and it will provide service in the Balkans, Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and the Caucasus with its highpower European beam," SpaceX wrote in a news release. "In addition, BulgariaSat-1 is equipped with a spot beam which can be used to provide extra capacity over the Balkans. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer."

"BulgariaSat-1 is the first geostationary communications satellite in Bulgaria's history," SpaceX added.

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The launch and landing was streamed on SpaceX's website.

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