SpaceX completes first rocket launch for U.S. government

Moments before the SpaceX launch.
(Image credit: LiveStream)

Elon Musk's SpaceX launched a spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office on Monday morning, its first contracted work for the government, The Orlando Sentinel reports. The Falcon 9 rocket returned to its landing pad after putting the satellite in orbit.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.