None of the cores will be re-used, I'm not sure they were expecting the 3rd to have a high chance of success but they gave it a shot. The orbit burn lasted longer than planned, but all of these things give them something to look at. The first several attempts at landing Falcon 9's were a disaster, but they kept learning and have managed several successful returns.
What constitutes success in rocketry? Not blowing up would be pretty high on the list. So check that off. By all accounts relative to other nations and their successes and failures, I don't see how you could say this was anything but successful. Not perfect, but that is why it was called a test.
And I am usually highly critical of all things Elon. I can't find much to be critical of here.
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