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Launch Of NG-24 Mission To The International Space Station.

The first stage of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket breaks the sound barrier on its way back to launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, minutes after launching Northrop Grumman's Cygnus-XL cargo ship to the International Space Station, on april 11, 2026. (Photo by Manuel Mazzanti/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13560964
Date Taken	11 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Manuel Mazzanti/NurPhoto
Category	Science and Technology
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Manuel Mazzanti/NurPhoto

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sound barrier launch pad 40 Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Northrop Grumman Cygnus-XL cargo ship International Space Station Manuel Mazzanti NurPhoto launch first stage breaking sound barrier return space exploration aerospace technology innovation reusable rocket orbital launch space mission commercial spaceflight space transportation payload delivery aerospace engineering space logistics space industry space station resupply rocket landing.