2016-01-17

@stunt_penguin @LayOn_OverWhale Stage 1 would reach low Earth orbit if not hefting a second stage, but payload would be greatly reduced.

@pepo_hohohoi m9

@JimmyVosika Actually, didn't get environmental approval in time, but it was also good practice for missions where a ship is needed.

If speed at stage separation > ~6000 km/hr. With a ship, no need to zero out lateral velocity, so can stage at up to ~9000 km/h.

Ship landings are not needed for flexibility or to save fuel costs. Just not physically possible to return to launch site

Ship landings are not needed for flexibility or to save fuel costs. Just not physically possible to return to launch site

As mentioned before, ship landings are needed for high velocity missions. Altitude & distance don't mean much for orbit. All about speed.

@mbhnyc steel collet

Well, at least the pieces were bigger this time! Won't be last RUD, but am optimistic about upcoming ship landing. https://t.co/w007TccANJ

@Uncle_Gus probably

@Uncle_Gus probably

However, that was not what prevented it being good. Touchdown speed was ok, but a leg lockout didn't latch, so it tipped over after landing.

Definitely harder to land on a ship. Similar to an aircraft carrier vs land: much smaller target area, that's also translating & rotating.