SpaceX successfully landed its Falcon 9 rocket after launching it to space

Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) just created history with the successful launch and landing of the powerful Falcon 9 rocket.

The explosion six months ago was a setback that caused SpaceX to delay some of its routine missions like flying supplies to the International Space Station.

Initially, the launch of ORBCOMM satellites was set for Sunday, but SpaceX had postponed the launch in order to improve the chances of a smooth and successful landing. Then it landed the leftover 15-story booster back on Earth, safely.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk while talking about his company’s latest achievement said, “I still can’t quite believe it…I think this is a revolutionary moment”.

Image of Falcon 9 first stage approaching landing pad.

The Hawthorne, California-based company was founded in 2002 by Musk, who also serves as chief executive of Tesla Motors Inc., the electric auto maker. Previous landing attempts ended in fiery blasts, but those aimed for an ocean platform.

SpaceX has landed its rocket vertically back on Earth after sending satellites into orbit – marking a major step forward in developing cheaper, more accessible space travel.

“Congrats SpaceX on landing Falcon’s suborbital booster stage”. SpaceX’s landing took place on a prepared concrete pad at Cape Canaveral.

Musk has said the ability to reuse a rocket – which dramatically reduces launch cost – is something that will help revolutionize commercial space travel.

The company now says it plans to start regular supply runs for NASA early next year.

On June 28, a failed steel strut caused SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to explode while on an (unmanned) resupply mission to the ISS.

In a video released of the launch, employees can be heard erupting in jubilation as they watched a live stream of the 156ft white booster slowly descend to Earth.