Emblem for the SES-10/Falcon 9 mission. Credit: Space.com

One year ago today, March 30, 2017, the 32nd flight of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket soared off of a seaside launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The two-stage, 23-story rocket lifted off carrying a SES-10 communications satellite, intended to provide TV, internet and other services to customers in Latin America. Marking a first in SpaceX history, this was the first time a previously flown Falcon 9 booster rocket was used!

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center. March 2017. Credit: Space.com

The original booster rocket launched on April 8, 2016, propelling the 23rd flight of SpaceX's Falcon 9. The rocket was transporting cargo to the International Space Station. Following the first two and a half minutes of flight, the booster stage separated and re-entered the Earth's atmosphere to touch down atop a SpaceX drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. One year later, following refurbishment and testing, the same booster stage was ready to be used again.

Booster stage of the Falcon 9 rocket landing on a robotic drone ship. April 2016.. Credit: Space.com