SpaceX’s productive Falcon 9 rocket grounded after failed mission

SpaceX's trusty Falcon 9 rocket, which powers satellite launches and space voyages for astronauts, suffered a rare and troubling malfunction Thursday night as it attempted to launch a batch of internet satellites into space. The ordeal has prompted federal regulators to ground the rocket, which has become a cornerstone of the U.S. and global launch industries over the past decade.

The incident marks the first time in nearly a decade that a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which also plays a key role in NASA's manned space program, has failed.

The Federal Aviation Administration, which licenses commercial rocket launches, said Friday ...