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Grid fins aren't drag devices. They are control surfaces. As long as they are oriented so the fins are aligned with the airflow, they have no effect on orient

Grid fins aren't drag devices. They are control surfaces. As long as they are oriented so the fins are aligned with the airflow, they have no effect on orientation. The benefit of not folding them in is one less part that can fail. There might be a slight reduction in drag by folding them in, but not much and apparently not worth it.

dylan604 3y ago
I'm guessing 33 Raptor engines won't feel the effect of whatever drag those fins might produce. Instead, they'll just drag that drag into space
russdill 3y ago
The side edge of the grid fin may have more surface area than edge on.
- panick21_ 3y ago
  Not sure they can turn that far.
  - russdill 3y ago
    I'm saying if you could fold the grid fin, the surface area presented may be as high or higher than the surface area presented when unfolded.