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Indeed. Reusable SpaceX rockets have 30% small payload compared to non-reusable ones, as they have to carry extra fuel for landing. Catching the rocket instea
by raphaelj 4y ago
Indeed.
Reusable SpaceX rockets have 30% small payload compared to non-reusable ones, as they have to carry extra fuel for landing.
Catching the rocket instead of landing it could be significantly more efficient as you wouldn't have to carry much more weight except for the parachute.
- adrianN 4y agoYou would also have to build your rocket such that it can survive the shock of braking via parachute. That eats at least some of the weight savings.
- throwaway0a5e 4y agoThis isn't a 5-layer cake we're talking about here. A structure that can survive being caught between a payload on one end and a rocket motor on the other is going already have the strength you need in most of the places you need it in order to hang from a parachute. The hard part is going to be attachment point real-estate since the most logical choice is going to have it fighting for space with rocket motor bits.