SpaceX's Reusable 'Grasshopper' Rocket Makes 1st Test Flight

The reusable rocket prototype Grasshopper built by private spaceflight company SpaceX makes a 6-foot test flight on Sept. 28, 2012.

CREDIT: SpaceX

It's one small hop for a rocket, but one giant leap for reusable rocket ships: A private rocket prototype has sailed through a 6-foot hop that, while short, marked a in a major test for a novel reusable launch system being developed by commercial spaceflight company SpaceX.

Called "Grasshopper," the rocket lifted off briefly then set back down on four spidery legs during the recent test at SpaceX's proving ground in McGregor, Texas.

"The short hop of approximately 6 feet is the first major milestone for Grasshopper, and a critical step toward a reusable first stage for SpaceX’s proven Falcon 9 rocket," SpaceX officials said of the Sept. 21 test.