Re:SpaceX successfully launches and recovers second Falcon 9...
by skykooler on Sunday June 25, 2017 @08:41PM
(#14633126)
Well, the plan is to use forging to make them, but the ones on this rocket were cast as a blank and machined. One presumes that they are still working on the forging system. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/878821062326198272
The maneuver is more noticeable with the new titanium grid fins (needed because the old aluminum ones caught fire from aerodynamic heating). Not only are they larger, but they use a "sawtooth" leading edge that increases control authority. New: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/879065552060260352 Old: http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12...
They also happen to be the largest titanium forgings in the world. https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42544.340#...