<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56786e4add0895ae788b47bc-800-525/us-air-force-leader-eyes-spacex-launch-certification-by-june-2015-3.jpg" alt="The unmanned Falcon 9 rocket, launched by SpaceX and carrying NOAA's Deep Space Climate Observatory Satellite, lifts off from launch pad 40 the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida February 11, 2015.  REUTERS/Scott Audette  " data-mce-source="Thomson Reuters" data-mce-caption="The unmanned Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from launch pad 40 the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral"><p class="source"><span>Thomson Reuters</span></p><p class="caption">The unmanned Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from launch pad 40 the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>At 8:34 p.m. ET December 21, SpaceX will launch the most powerful version yet of its 229-foot-tall Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.<p>Shortly after the launch, SpaceX will attempt to guide part of the rocket back to Earth and land it upright back on the launch pad. If SpaceX succeeds, it has the potential to change spaceflight as we know it.</p><p>Here's how the historic landing will work, and what it might mean for spaceflight.</p>

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Here's why tonight's SpaceX launch is potentially groundbreaking

Thomson ReutersThe unmanned Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from launch pad 40 the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape CanaveralAt 8:34 p.m. ET December 21, SpaceX will launch the most powerful version yet of its 229-foot-tall Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.Shortly after the launch, SpaceX will attempt to guide part of the rocket back to Earth and land it upright back on the launch pad. If SpaceX succeeds, it has the potential to change spaceflight as we know it.Here's how the historic landing will work, and what it might mean for spaceflight.

Thomson ReutersThe unmanned Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from launch pad 40 the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape CanaveralAt 834 p. m.

Here's why tonight's SpaceX launch is potentially groundbreaking

Kelly Dickerson

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