Falcon 9 Passes Max Q; Stages Separate
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket passed through Max Q, the point of peak dynamic stress on the vehicle. Its nine Merlin engines, located in the booster, finished their burn, followed by successful first stage separation and fairing deployment. As the second stage continues carrying IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) and its two rideshares to orbit, the rocket’s first stage will attempt a controlled landing on a SpaceX drone ship.


