So the technology for a safer reusable rocket is there, but whether its cost effective is the real question.

Where else can you launch a reusable rocket?

One goal of the reusable rocket would be to hold the cost to $1,000 a pound, industry officials said.

Three California-based companies submitted proposals for a reusable rocket.

When complete, the Roton was to be the world's first single-stage-to-orbit, fully reusable rocket.

The new program calls for developing a large, totally reusable, unpiloted rocket that takes off, goes into orbit and returns as a single unit.

The space agency today carried out the third successful test flight of a reusable rocket that could eventually replace the space shuttle.

The project involved a series of experimental vehicles to test repeated flights of a reusable rocket.

This vehicle was built as a practical reusable rocket, demonstrating a number technologies.

The space agency also said it hoped the competition would result in a new generation of reusable rockets owned and operated by private industry.