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Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Goober5000 on August 14, 2013, 10:57:38 am

Title: SpaceX Grasshopper Divert Test
Post by: Goober5000 on August 14, 2013, 10:57:38 am

This is the first time the Grasshopper vehicle has flown sideways:

Title: Re: SpaceX Grasshopper Divert Test
Post by: Scourge of Ages on August 14, 2013, 12:05:07 pm

Oh man, I think Kerbal Space Program has given me rocket-PTSD. I've seen too many ships go up, slide over a bit, tip over, and ram straight into the ground to watch this video without cringing.

Title: Re: SpaceX Grasshopper Divert Test
Post by: perihelion on August 14, 2013, 03:23:26 pm

Whoa. :jaw:

Title: Re: SpaceX Grasshopper Divert Test
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 14, 2013, 03:32:05 pm

so just where exactly are these guys getting their money?  if it's from investors, what's the ultimate plan to make a return?  sell flights to space i guess?  contract to provide services to governments?

Title: Re: SpaceX Grasshopper Divert Test
Post by: Dragon on August 14, 2013, 03:36:19 pm

They already use their Falcon 9 for commercial satellite delivery. They plan to create a fully reusable LV that would make space launches really cheap. While I don't think the cost reduction will be as dramatic as they promise, this is still a good investment.

Title: Re: SpaceX Grasshopper Divert Test
Post by: Nuke on August 14, 2013, 03:37:16 pm

this is to reduce the cost of launch systems by making the first stage recoverable and reusable.

Title: Re: SpaceX Grasshopper Divert Test
Post by: Lorric on August 14, 2013, 03:37:29 pm

And it landed right where it took off from as well!  :D

It's certainly interesting seeing the progress of this.