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SpaceX Rockets Inspired by Sci-Fi: A Creative Launch

9/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

SpaceX creatively names its rockets and vessels, drawing inspiration from science fiction.
The Falcon 9 rocket, featuring nine Merlin engines, is named after the Millennium Falcon from "Star Wars."
Two drone ships in Florida, "Shortfall of Gravitas" and "Just Read the Instructions," are named after Iain M. Banks' Culture series.
The "mechazilla" tower at Starbase captures returning Super Heavy boosters.
A new facility, "Gigabay," is under construction at Kennedy Space Center for Starship launches.

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Story summary

SpaceX creatively names its rockets and vessels, drawing inspiration from science fiction.
The Falcon 9 rocket, featuring nine Merlin engines, is named after the Millennium Falcon from "Star Wars."
Two drone ships in Florida, "Shortfall of Gravitas" and "Just Read the Instructions," are named after Iain M. Banks' Culture series.
The "mechazilla" tower at Starbase captures returning Super Heavy boosters.
A new facility, "Gigabay," is under construction at Kennedy Space Center for Starship launches.