[seanccox]

I guess my question wasn't as clear as I thought it was. I understand landing it vertically, and I also understand the safety value of landing the rocket on a floating platform.

What I don't understand is: Why it isn't obvious that a rocket of X height will fall over when landing on a boat of Y size in Z waves? Can you explain that element?

In general terms, tall things on boats that aren't fastened down are the most likely things to tip over. That's something any sailor can tell you. I'm interested in what considerations were at play leading up to this accident. I don't know anything about rocketry, so I kinda need that explained to me in simple terms.

[abeld]

Someone mentioned before (in a comment on another similar news item) that although the rocket is tall, after landing most of its mass is at the bottom: the engines are heavy, while the rest of the rocket is mostly empty fuel tanks. Hence it is feasible to keep it upright with the relatively small legs.

[seanccox]

OK, that clears that up for me. Cheers!