Blast off

spacex liftoff

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifts off Dec. 21. The primary mission was to put 11 small satellites into low orbit for Orbcomm's (ORBC) new satellite network.

But SpaceX was also attempting something audacious: Its plan called for the booster stage rockets to return to earth, and gently settle onto a landing pad.

First published December 22, 2015: 11:45 AM ET

Partner Offers

Most Popular