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SpaceX catches both fairing halves in another first

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

SpaceX's launch from Cape Canaveral on Monday was remarkable in a couple of ways for a rather routine mission.

For one thing, the Hawthorne, California-based aerospace company set a record for the quickest turnaround of the Falcon 9's first stage.

For another, SpaceX caught both fairing halves for the first time. The fairing, or nosecone, protects the mission’s payload during launch. After it’s served its purpose, the $6 million piece breaks in half and falls back to Earth.

Click here to read Annlee Ellingson and Alex Soderstrom’s story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.