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Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.
Reusable rocket test
- Thread starter srgalahad
- Start date
srgalahad
Charter Member 2022
"Grasshopper, SpaceX’s vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) vehicle, continues SpaceX’s work toward one of its key goals – developing fully and rapidly reusable rockets, a feat that will transform space exploration by radically reducing its cost. With Grasshopper, SpaceX engineers are testing the technology that would enable a launched rocket to land intact, rather than burning up upon reentry to the Earth’s atmosphere."
... quoted from release dated March 10, 2013 announcing previous 80m test flight
http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20130310
Current Low Earth Orbit satellite launches and ISS resupply missions currently have a high cost in non-reusable components. Even the reusable Shuttle's launch vehicle was not recyclable to a significant degree. If SpaceX can develop a system that launches and is recovered intact and quickly reused it should reduce costs significantly (and reduce environmental impact as well) for missions that do not require manned capability.
What other uses it might have are probably only limited by imagination. At least it seems to make more sense that the current technology which is akin to throwing away the shotgun along with the spent shell after you shoot (or miss) a duck.
... quoted from release dated March 10, 2013 announcing previous 80m test flight
http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20130310
Current Low Earth Orbit satellite launches and ISS resupply missions currently have a high cost in non-reusable components. Even the reusable Shuttle's launch vehicle was not recyclable to a significant degree. If SpaceX can develop a system that launches and is recovered intact and quickly reused it should reduce costs significantly (and reduce environmental impact as well) for missions that do not require manned capability.
What other uses it might have are probably only limited by imagination. At least it seems to make more sense that the current technology which is akin to throwing away the shotgun along with the spent shell after you shoot (or miss) a duck.
Yes, but my main question would be is would the vehicle be able to survive a re-entry procedure with fuel on board? 80m is one thing, orbit is a completely different situation. Not to mention, there would have to be some parts that would have to be repaired or even replaced after landing. The friction of re-entry would more than likely ensure that. Just my thoughts. Kind regards, Jeremy
Here, watch this ...
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