The upgraded version of the Falcon 9 rocket was successfully launched recently from Vandenberg Air Force Base in the USA. TenCate has supplied Spacex with high temperature prepregs for spacecraft structures to bulk moulding compounds used in compression molded components.
This launch represented the maiden trip of an upgraded version of the Falcon 9 rocket with stretched fuel tanks, more powerful engines and a 5.2-meter payload fairing to enshroud satellites.
Joe Morris, President of TenCate Advanced Composites, states: "SpaceX continues to set the bar higher and higher. They truly demonstrate the power of innovation and teamwork. We are proud and honoured to be able to support SpaceX on all of their key platforms with our advanced composite materials."
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the safe and reliable transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. Falcon 9 made history in 2012 when Dragon rendezvoused with the International Space Station. SpaceX is the first commercial company ever to visit the space station and has made a total of three flights delivering and returning cargo for NASA.
