4 ms·
The test hops that spacex and blue origin did are impressive yes, but you are missing the most impressive part! The booster that landed pushed something to orbi
by acover 5y ago
The test hops that spacex and blue origin did are impressive yes, but you are missing the most impressive part! The booster that landed pushed something to orbital velocity. Getting any significant amount of payload (1-4% of total mass) to orbit is difficult but adding the fuel and equipment needed to accurately land the first stage is another level.
- afterburner 5y agoIt doesn't take that much extra fuel to land a thing. You have gravity helping you go down, unlike when you're going up. You also have friction to slow you down, which is desirable, unlike when you're trying to speed up.