SpaceX successfully returns to flight, lands first stage of rocket

In its return to flight mission after losing a vehicle in June, Elon Musk’s SpaceX not only launched 11 satellites into orbit, but successfully landed the stage one of its Falcon 9 rocket safely at Cape Canaveral in Florida.

The Falcon 9 first stage landing is confirmed. Second stage continuing nominally. pic.twitter.com/RX2QKSl0z7

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 22, 2015

This is a big deal because the majority of the cost of flying a mission to space is associated with the rocket itself. SpaceX has commented that each Falcon 9 vehicle costs around $16 million to manufacture, but the fuel costs just $200,000 or so. Of course, there’s a cost to rehabbing the rocket and launching, but having a vehicle that can be reused should bring the cost down for future missions significantly. This particular rocket probably won’t fly again, but it’s still an exciting step.

Long exposure of launch, re-entry, and landing burns pic.twitter.com/Vw1ZJAtvhy

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 22, 2015