SpaceX Did It Again!

[overdrive148]

So last night I stayed up to watch the launch and see if they could stick the landing again. This time around it was unlikely because they were launching their payload all the way to a geostationary orbit transfer point which is much higher and faster than their normal attempts to low earth orbit and back (around double the approach speed, 4x the energy, a lot more heat, etc etc).

And then they nailed it!
USA, USA!

 

[Velocity173]

Why do they go for a floating barge anyway? Seems like a remote, stationary platform on land would be easier.

Good job though. Think they've nailed the last two.

 

[ElPaso Pilot]

Why do they go for a floating barge anyway? Seems like a remote, stationary platform on land would be easier.

Good job though. Think they've nailed the last two.

Because they often launch away from land, depending on the orbit needed. Reversing direction and flying it back would require more reserve fuel and greatly reduce launch payload -- not to mention the extra danger of something going wrong over land while bringing it back.

This one was a geostationary orbit. The landing barge was 200 miles offshore!

 

[AggieMike88]

That this can be done is amazing.

 

[Mtns2Skies]

Why is it better to land vertically rather than just parachuting down? The craft will have to be taken down to be recovered regardless.

 

[wanttaja]

Why is it better to land vertically rather than just parachuting down? The craft will have to be taken down to be recovered regardless.

No impact damage, not drenched in salt water. The Space Shuttle SRBs were basically just metal tubes; these stages are far more complex.

Ron Wanttaja

 

[overdrive148]

No impact damage, not drenched in salt water. The Space Shuttle SRBs were basically just metal tubes; these stages are far more complex.

With the added benefit of being reusable back to back with only basic maintenance!

 

[SkyDog58]

Meh, can't be any harder than playing Jarts.