Grasshopper 12-Story Test Flight 17.12.2012.

SpaceX's Grasshopper takes a
12-story leap towards full and rapid rocket reusability in a test flight
conducted December 17, 2012 at SpaceX's rocket development facility in
McGregor, Texas. Grasshopper, a vertical takeoff and landing vehicle
(VTVL), rose 131 feet (40 meters), hovered and landed safely on the pad
using closed loop thrust vector and throttle control. The total test
duration was 29 seconds. Grasshopper stands 10 stories tall and consists
of a Falcon 9 rocket first stage, Merlin 1D engine, four steel landing
legs with hydraulic dampers, and a steel support structure.