A Launch and a Landing . ... Above the bright flare seen just after launch, the rocket's first stage firing trails upward from the left. After separation, the second stage burn begins near center with the vehicle climbing toward low Earth orbit. At the horizon, the flare near center records the re-ignition and controlled descent of the Falcon 9's first stage to a soft splashdown off the coast. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...