So far, SpaceX has been able to land its Falcon 9 rockets and reuse them. However, catching the rockets in midair is an even more ambitious endeavor.
On December 9, SpaceX finally launched SN8 15 kilometers from the ground and then attempted to land the rocket, but it exploded. SpaceX has since returned to that flight with a detailed video that explains why the launch was successful despite the explosion. It is thanks to this rocket that Elon Musk plans to land astronauts on Mars in 2026.
Elon Musk wants to catch his rockets with a giant arm
On Twitter, an internet user approached the CEO of SpaceX to ask if the animation he had created was realistic. Elon Musk replied that SpaceX would instead try to grab the Super Heavy Booster with the launch tower arm rather than letting the rocket land.
Not only will the new design save the company money and reduce the total mass of the rocket, he says, it will also allow the rocket to be immediately repositioned on the launch pad for reuse in less time. one hour.
Super Heavy will still use its Raptor engines to slow its descent as well as the grid fins to control its orientation. The launch tower will then attempt to catch the thruster before it hits the ground. The Starship thruster should therefore not use feet for landing. Once Super Heavy is repositioned on the launch pad, SpaceX will only have to attach a new payload before quickly relaunching the rocket.
For now, all eyes are on the launch of SN9, Starship's new prototype. It had tipped over in its hangar, causing light damage. The launch is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
We’re going to try to catch the Super Heavy Booster with the launch tower arm, using the grid fins to take the load
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 30, 2020
Saves mass & cost of legs & enables immediate repositioning of booster on to launch mount — ready to refly in under an hour
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 30, 2020
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