Launch. Return.
Explore again.
Explore the rockets, spacecraft and engineering behind SpaceX’s approach to spaceflight.
Preparing your 3D observation…
Rockets, capsules, and the return journey
SpaceX is a commercial spaceflight company that develops launch vehicles and spacecraft. These portraits explain their roles and basic architecture; they do not show live flight status.
A launch is only part of the story.
Hand over the climb
After stage separation, the upper stage continues accelerating while the booster begins a separate return trajectory.
Guide the descent
On Falcon recovery missions, engine burns and aerodynamic control help manage the booster’s path and speed.
Prepare for another flight
A recovered booster must be inspected and prepared before reuse. Recovery and reflight are distinct steps.
From cargo to crew.
Cargo reaches the station
Dragon became the first commercial spacecraft to reach the International Space Station and return cargo to Earth.
NASA mission history ↗A first flight with astronauts
On May 30, Crew Dragon launched two NASA astronauts to the station in an end-to-end test for the Commercial Crew Program.
NASA’s Demo-2 story ↗Keep following the missions
For launch dates, recent results and changing vehicle specifications, go directly to SpaceX’s mission pages.
SpaceX launches ↗