Elon Musk's SpaceX is Testing a Rocket that Aims to Send Astronauts into Space
(CNN Money) -- It's time for SpaceX to test out the new rocket it hopes will eventually carry astronauts into space.
On Thursday afternoon, the company plans to launch the newest version of the reusable Falcon 9 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The rocket is designed to be used 10 or more times. In the past, SpaceX rockets have been only capable of making about two trips.
Related: SpaceX Says It Will Fly 2 People To Moon Next Year
The so-called Falcon 9 Block 5 will deliver the Bangabandhu-1 communications satellite into orbit. Once in place, the satellite will provide telecom services for Bangladesh and the surrounding region.
A key part of the mission will be landing the rocket's first-stage booster once it returns to Earth. SpaceX said its drone ship, called "Of Course I Still Love You," will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean for the job.
Related: SpaceX Launches Most Powerful Rocket On The Planet
Last week, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared a picture of the rocket making its way to the launch pad.
-- CNNMoney's Jackie Wattles contributed to this report.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
