The twin streaks of light represent a time lapse photo showing both the launch and landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which completed the round trip from Earth to space (where the rocket placed 11 satellites in orbit) and back in roughly 10 minutes. The Falcon blasted off from Launch Complex 40 at nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, then executed a perfect vertical landing and the former Launch Complex 13 -- now Landing Zone 1 -- a little more than five miles south from where it took off. It marked the first time a rocket delivered spacecraft into orbit and returned safely to Earth. SpaceX hopes to reuse their rockets, greatly reducing the cost of their space program. The reservists of the 920th Rescue Wing provide range clearance and safety contingency support for all rocket launches from CCAFS/Kennedy Space Center. (courtesy photo/SpaceX)
  • 151221-F-RK403-001
    A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket settles gently back to Earth at Landing Zone 1 (formerly Launch Complex 13) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station less than 10 minutes after it took off from Launch Complex 40 a little more than 5 miles north. It marked the first time a rocket delivered satellites to orbit (11 on this particular mission), then returned to land safely. The reservists of the 920th Rescue Wing provide range clearance and safety contingency support for all rocket launches from CCAFS/Kennedy Space Center. (courtesy photo/SpaceX)
  • 151221-F-RK403-002
    The twin streaks of light represent a time lapse photo showing both the launch and landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which completed the round trip from Earth to space (where the rocket placed 11 satellites in orbit) and back in roughly 10 minutes. The Falcon blasted off from Launch Complex 40 at nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, then executed a perfect vertical landing and the former Launch Complex 13 — now Landing Zone 1 — a little more than five miles south from where it took off. It marked the first time a rocket delivered spacecraft into orbit and returned safely to Earth. SpaceX hopes to reuse their rockets, greatly reducing the cost of their space program. The reservists of the 920th Rescue Wing provide range clearance and safety contingency support for all rocket launches from CCAFS/Kennedy Space Center. (courtesy photo/SpaceX)