# B1043

> expended Falcon 9 first-stage booster

**Wikidata**: [Q54355441](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54355441)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/b1043

## Summary
B1043 is an expended first-stage booster of the Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket, manufactured by SpaceX. It was used in multiple launches, including the Zuma mission in January 2018 and the Iridium NEXT and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On missions in May 2018, before being expended.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Falcon 9 booster, Falcon 9 Block 4, former entity
- **Manufacturer**: SpaceX
- **Serial number**: B1043 (assigned by SpaceX)
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Significant events**:
  - Launched the Zuma mission on January 8, 2018
  - Launched Iridium NEXT and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On missions on May 22, 2018
- **Preceded by**: B1042
- **Followed by**: B1044
- **Dissolved/abolished/demolished date**: May 22, 2018 (expended)
- **Aliases**: Falcon 9 B1043, SpaceX Falcon 9 B1043, Falcon 9 booster B1043

## FAQs
### Q: What type of rocket was B1043?
A: B1043 was a first-stage booster of the Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket, a fourth major version of the Falcon 9 developed by SpaceX.

### Q: When was B1043 expended?
A: B1043 was expended on May 22, 2018, after being used in multiple launches.

### Q: Which missions did B1043 support?
A: B1043 supported the Zuma mission (January 8, 2018) and the Iridium NEXT and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On missions (May 22, 2018).

### Q: What was the significance of B1043?
A: B1043 was part of SpaceX's reusable rocket program, demonstrating the company's ability to repurpose boosters for multiple missions before expending them.

### Q: How does B1043 relate to other Falcon 9 boosters?
A: B1043 was preceded by B1042 and followed by B1044, part of a sequence of expended Falcon 9 first-stage boosters.

## Why It Matters
B1043 played a crucial role in SpaceX's early efforts to develop reusable rocket technology. As part of the Falcon 9 Block 4 series, it demonstrated the company's ability to repurpose boosters for multiple missions, a key milestone in reducing the cost of spaceflight. The booster's involvement in classified (Zuma) and scientific (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On) missions highlighted its versatility and reliability. By being expended in 2018, B1043 marked the end of its operational life, contributing to SpaceX's broader strategy of advancing rocket reusability and sustainability in space exploration.

## Notable For
- **Multiple missions**: Supported three distinct launches, including a classified mission (Zuma).
- **Reusable technology**: Part of SpaceX's early reusable rocket program, demonstrating booster repurposing.
- **Scientific contribution**: Assisted in the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On mission, aiding climate research.
- **Sequential development**: Followed B1042 and preceded B1044, part of a series of expended Falcon 9 boosters.
- **U.S. origin**: Manufactured in the United States, reflecting SpaceX's domestic production capabilities.

## Body
### Overview
B1043 is a retired first-stage booster of the Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket, a variant of SpaceX's two-stage orbital launch vehicle. It was part of SpaceX's early efforts to develop reusable rocket technology, allowing for multiple missions before being expended.

### Manufacturing and Classification
- **Manufacturer**: SpaceX
- **Classification**: Falcon 9 Block 4 booster
- **Serial number**: B1043 (assigned by SpaceX)
- **Country of origin**: United States

### Mission History
- **Zuma mission**: Launched on January 8, 2018, as part of a classified payload.
- **Iridium NEXT and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On missions**: Launched on May 22, 2018, supporting satellite deployment and climate research.
- **Expended**: Officially marked as expended on May 22, 2018, after completing its missions.

### Relationships
- **Preceded by**: B1042
- **Followed by**: B1044

### Significance
B1043 was notable for its role in SpaceX's reusable rocket program, contributing to advancements in spaceflight sustainability and cost reduction. Its missions spanned classified and scientific objectives, underscoring its versatility.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "B1043",
  "description": "Expended first-stage booster of the Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket, manufactured by SpaceX.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111111111",
    "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:SpaceX_Falcon_9_B1043"
  ],
  "additionalType": "RocketBooster"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_det/falcon-9_v1-2_ex.htm)