SpaceX's upgraded Falcon 9 rocket appeared to complete a successful first launch today, blasting off from California and placing a Canadian science satellite in orbit. <br /><br />The taller, 224-foot rocket lifted off at noon Eastern from Vandenberg Air Force Base, propelled by Merlin 1D engines that provided 50 percent more thrust than the original Falcon 9. <br /><br />The first and second stages separated, and a 43-foot payload fairing flying for the first time. <br /><br />Communication links were lost before deployment of the small Cassiope satellite, but the Canadian Space Agency confirmed after 1 p.m. that the spacecraft was in orbit and communicating with the ground. <br /><br />A launch Webcast reported that the rocket's first stage had relit to begin an attempt to guide the stage to a soft ocean landing, part of an early test of systems needed to recover and reuse boosters. <br /><br />SpaceX did not immediately confirm the outcome of that effort and whether the booster would be recovered. <br /><br />If all went well today, the company could proceed with its next Falcon 9 launch, of a commercial communications satellite, within a month or so from Cape Canaveral. <br /><br />Credit: SpaceX
