SpaceX Grasshopper Rocket Makes a Half-Mile Hop, Before Landing Again

As reported by NBC News: SpaceX's Grasshopper rocket prototype made another record-setting vertical takeoff and landing this week from the California-based company's test pad near McGregor, Texas. But what's really cool about Oct. 7's half-mile (744-meter) ascent and controlled descent is the amazing view from a remote-controlled hexacopter that captured the video clip.

This is what a rocket launch and landing is supposed to look like.

The 10-story craft is testing the technologies that would be required to have the first stage of a rocket fly itself back to base after launch. The Grasshopper consists of a Falcon 9 first-stage tank, Merlin 1D rocket engine, landing legs and a steel support structure.

Last month's launch of a Falcon 9 v1.1 rocket provided a real-world test of rocket reusability, and although the test wasn't completely successful, it's only a matter of time before SpaceX gets it right.Then everything changes.

Earlier Grasshopper tests:

• August 2013: Sideways test to 250 meters
• July 2013: Grasshopper rises 325 meters
• April 2013: Grasshopper at 250 meters
• March 2013: Grasshopper at 80 meters
• December 2012: Grasshopper at 40 meters
• November 2012: Grasshopper at 5.4 meters
• September 2012: First flight test at 2 meters