Whenever I wander into engineering type topics, I am always amazed at what people have been able to figure out over time. It boggles the mind, really. SpaceX is pushing the boundaries, in an attempt to reduce the costs of getting to space. Here is their current issue: http://techcrunch.com/2015/02/11/spacexs-rocket-recovery-attempt-thwarted-by-humanitys-oldest-enemy-the-sea/