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Updated SpaceX Falcon rocket blasts off (BBC)
By Jonathan Amos
Science correspondent, BBC News
The US SpaceX company has successfully launched a new version of its Falcon 9 rocket from California.
The vehicle, carrying the Canadian Cassiope research satellite, lifted clear of the Vandenberg Air Force Base at 09:00 local time (16:00 GMT).
The desired orbit was achieved nine minutes later.
SpaceX says the updated rocket, known as Falcon 9v1.1, incorporates a number of modifications to boost performance and simplify operations.
This first outing should now open the way for the new model to begin carrying satellites for the private sector.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24326413
