SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX

On Friday, the Falcon 9 rocket soared into space and launched its cargo toward the International Space Station. And then for the first time in history, the rocket fired its engines to slow its horizontal velocity and make a guided descent back toward an ocean-based platform where it landed—without toppling over.

After the autonomous drone ship made its return to Port Canaveral early on Tuesday morning, SpaceX collected images from the on-board cameras and released them. They show the dramatic landing up close and in your face.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk said this rocket and its nine engines will be tested 10 times to ensure that everything functions properly. And if that's the case, this rocket could be launched into space as early as June. Luxembourg-based satellite company SES has already indicated that it would be willing to fly on a reused rocket.

Reusable rockets are the holy grail of cheaper access to space, because propellant is only a small fraction of launch costs. Getting the rockets down safely on land, and at sea, is an important step, but it's only the first step. Now SpaceX must show that it can turn around the Falcon 9 in a relatively short amount of time, and at a low cost, to close the loop. It would be unwise to bet against them after Friday's sea-based landing.