[ghostcluster]

The point is that the idea itself isn't new, but space tech has been stagnant for decades before a company like SpaceX appeared on the scene

[bufferoverflow]

No, the original comment claimed that the USSR boosters we're designed to glide and land, which they never were.

And rockets landing and taking off many times is a very old idea, also not invented in USSR in the 70's.

[pandaman]

According to the Russian Wiki article, Energiya's first stage was designed to be reusable by the way of parachutes, solid fuel engines and supports, however, the system was not implemented during its two launches and the parachute containers were loaded with other equipment. Wiki gives this as reference: http://www.buran.ru/htm/09-3.htm

[navaati]

Tintin !