Space & Astronomy

SpaceX finally lands rocket on ocean platform

By T.K. Randall
April 9, 2016 ·  21 comments

The rocket touched down gently without a hitch. Image Credit: YouTube / SpaceX After several failed attempts, SpaceX is finally celebrating the first successful landing of its Falcon 9 rocket's lower stage on a small floating platform out in the middle of the ocean.

The feat, which was achieved after the rocket had delivered cargo to the International Space Station, represents another significant step forward in the development of reusable rockets."The rocket landed instead of putting a hole in the ship - or tipping over - so we're really excited about that," said SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

The next step will be to ensure that the newly landed rocket is actually in a fit enough state to be used again in future missions.

Footage of the rocket's impressive landing can be viewed below.


Source: The Register | Comments (21)

Tags: Falcon 9, Rocket, Landing