SpaceX Launches Super-Heavy Communications Satellite

Re:SpaceX Launches Super-Heavy Communications Satellite by sitharus on Monday May 15, 2017 @09:40PM (#14346768)

The first stage never makes it to orbit, it's on a ballistic trajectory in to the Atlantic Ocean.

Landing from a short hop is a much easier operation than from orbit. So far SpaceX have abandoned second stage recovery as too hard.

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Re:SpaceX Launches Super-Heavy Communications Satellite by bisby on Monday May 15, 2017 @10:27PM (#14346947)

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/847882289581359104 as of 1.5 months ago.

> Considering trying to bring upper stage back on Falcon Heavy demo flight for full reusability. Odds of success low, but maybe worth a shot.

So they've definitely not abandoned it, and in fact, are actively considering at least as a small possibility again.

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Re:SpaceX Launches Super-Heavy Communications Satellite by aninhumer on Tuesday May 16, 2017 @04:08AM (#14348090)

Is there any information about how second stage recovery would work? A powered landing on a single vacuum engine from orbital velocity seems implausible...

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Re:SpaceX Launches Super-Heavy Communications Satellite by zardo on Tuesday May 16, 2017 @03:57PM (#14352750)

Other than "bring it back like dragon", nothing official. The addition of heatshield and some alternate landing device seems very likely.

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Re:SpaceX Launches Super-Heavy Communications Satellite by sitharus on Monday May 15, 2017 @10:52PM (#14347049)

I was referring to the standard falcon 9, but you're quite right. It'll be impressive if SpaceX manage second stage recovery.

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Re:SpaceX Launches Super-Heavy Communications Satellite by DiThi on Monday May 15, 2017 @10:10PM (#14346874)

Second stage recovery of F9 is not out of the table completely yet. It seems more likely now that there will be attempts in the future.

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