Posted on 04/29/2016 8:50:49 PM PDT by Rabin
SpaceX has just published a 360-degree video of landing the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket on an at sea, barge.
(Excerpt) Read more at theverge.com ...
There was a bird that got the heck out of there once the rocket was audible. Also notice how much the camera shakes when the rocket gets close to the deck. The rocket is much larger than it appears in the video.
This seems like it would be very hard to do, but with computers, the right software, and engines, it may not be all that tough.
Very interesting...
...
They learned from some very public and spectacular failures. It looks like they may need to aim off center a little more to compensate for the wind. But I think you’re right. Once they get all the bugs worked out (and they are just about there) it should be fairly routine.
Musk is trying to get his name up there with Edison, Newton, Einstein, and so on. Hes a real visionary and has been unbelievably been able to do so much.
...
I think he’s comparable to Edison. It’s too bad there’s quite a few FReepers who hate his guts. Musk isn’t perfect, but one has to look at the entire picture.
Honestly, what amazed me most about it, was how late they ignite the engines. It’s only less than 30 seconds before touchdown.
If I was riding it down, I’d need a quick change before exiting the vehicle.
Honestly, what amazed me most about it, was how late they ignite the engines. Its only less than 30 seconds before touchdown.
If I was riding it down, Id need a quick change before exiting the vehicle.
...
That was a single engine burn. SpaceX just successfully landed another one the other night. It was on a ballistic trajectory and coming down twice as fast, so they used three engines for the final landing burn. It was at night and there’s no good footage of the burn yet, but I’d say the deceleration is even more dramatic.
I marvel at what these folks are able to come up with.
Amazing...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.