Drone’s are proving to be a great tool for surveying new space programs and prototypes from an safer vantage point.

This amazing drone video was recently taken by SpaceX, showcasing the prototype F9R rocket flying upwards from its launch pad. The footage shows the rocket rising to over 800 feet high and then hovering in the air.

Most impressive of all though, is the fact that the craft came right back down and landed perfectly at its testing facility in Texas. Typical rockets are limited to single use. After they are launched into space, they separate from the main craft and fall back down towards Earth, usually landing in the ocean for safety reasons.

The prototype’s successful first test flight is part of SpaceX’s F9R testing program and their ultimate goal is a fully reusable rocket which will halve the cost of launch fees.

Learn more at SpaceX website
See more videos by SpaceX on their YouTube channel