4 ms·
I think it's possible to flip by shifting the center of mass, which can be done by moving some mass (for example, fuel) inside.
by sigterm 15y ago
I think it's possible to flip by shifting the center of mass, which can be done by moving some mass (for example, fuel) inside.
- watmough 15y agoI believe the video showed the final stage vehicle flipping using thrusters in orbit, then re-entering engine facing Earth.
- JulianMorrison 15y agoNo, it flipped, decelerated, flipped back (off screen), re-entered brown bit first - that is the ablative shielding, then it must have flipped (off screen) while falling through atmosphere after re-entry because it came in to the landing pad feet first.
- lutorm 15y agoYeah, I saw this too. You'd better make sure you're going slow enough before you turn that thing sideways or you'll do a Challenger...
- JulianMorrison 15y agoIt should slow right down though, it's an empty tank.
- lutorm 15y agoThat's the problem, it will slow down so fast it might not stay in one piece (this is what happened to Challenger, hence my comment.) A pipe like that going sideways has a tremendous aerodynamic resistance.
- JulianMorrison 15y agoNo, I mean, it will slow quickly while doing the nose-first heat shielded re-entry, all the way down to terminal velocity, and then be safe to do its flip to feet-first.