A SpaceX Falcon rocket blasted off from California on Saturday, returning the company to flight for the first time since a launchpad explosion in September.

The 70-meter rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 9:54 a.m. PST to deliver 10 satellites into orbit for Iridium Communications Inc.

The first stage of the rocket, which had separated from the rest of craft, successfully touched down on a platform in the Pacific Ocean, a feat previously accomplished by four other returning Falcon rockets. Two other returning Falcon boosters landed on the ground.

The previous launchpad explosion destroyed a $62 million SpaceX booster and a$200 million Israeli communications satellite that it was to put into orbit two days later.

Saturday's launch is the first in a seven-flight contract with Iridium worth $468.1 million, company spokeswoman Diane Hockenberry said.

SpaceX aims to launch 27 rockets in 2017, more than triple the eight flights the privately held firm managed in 2016.