A few of the pros: * It's a big, flat surface (relative to uneven dry land) * Safe to land a heavier craft with only parachutes (no retro-rockets required to

A few of the pros: * It's a big, flat surface (relative to uneven dry land) * Safe to land a heavier craft with only parachutes (no retro-rockets required to soften landing) * There's a lot of ocean all around the US, so lots of possible landing zones * Large margin for error that still has a safe touchdown