SpaceX launches supplies and holiday gifts to space station crew

SpaceX capped its busiest year ever early on Tuesday, launching its 31st and final Falcon 9 rocket of 2021. This one boosted a Dragon cargo ship into orbit loaded with supplies, equipment and Christmas presents for the International Space Station crew.

It was only the second all-new Falcon 9 to fly in 2021 as SpaceX capitalizes on its reusable rocket technology, which company officials say is crucial for lowering launch costs and increasing schedule flexibility.

"It's been a record-breaking year for SpaceX," said Sarah Walker, the company's director of mission management. "Reusability is key to lowering the cost of spaceflight, which enables more investments in critical scientific research."