SpaceX Falcon 9 IRIDIUM NEXT-4 Dec. 22, 2017

SpaceX Falcon 9 IRIDIUM NEXT-4 Dec. 22, 2017. In order to avoid delays and convinced of no increased risks, Iridium Communications accepted the use of a recovered booster for its 10 satellites, and became the first customer to fly the same first-stage booster twice (from the second Iridium NEXT mission). SpaceX chose not to attempt recovery of the booster, but did perform a soft ocean touchdown. The launch occurred during sunset, which caused a twilight effect where sunlight reflected from the rocket plumes at high altitude, causing "jaw-dropping views" across Southern California and surrounding regions. Credit SpaceX