Re:SpaceX Soft Lands Falcon 9 Rocket First Stage
by Gravityloss on Wednesday July 23, 2014 @02:07PM
(#8075898)
Returning to launch site doesn't require that much fuel as the first stage is really light after separation.
Barnaby Wainfan patented an interesting alternative: after staging, re-enter, then do a burn and fly ballistically back to launch site. This kills the horizontal speed with air resistance instead of propulsion, potentially saving fuel. You have to regain the altitude though.
Barnaby Wainfan patented an interesting alternative: after staging, re-enter, then do a burn and fly ballistically back to launch site. This kills the horizontal speed with air resistance instead of propulsion, potentially saving fuel. You have to regain the altitude though.