4 ms·
> Okay, but, doesn't it, like, at least double the amount of fuel needed for a launch? No, it reduces payload to orbit by ~30% or so. Fuel is insanely cheap in
by mbell 12y ago
> Okay, but, doesn't it, like, at least double the amount of fuel needed for a launch?
No, it reduces payload to orbit by ~30% or so. Fuel is insanely cheap in comparison to the cost of building the 1st stage.
- knappador 12y agoThe separation velocity they chose for the first stage is very promising. Given the cheap cost of fuel and difficulty of making the 2nd stage body able to survive the much-higher re-entry velocity, I wonder about separating just the engine package and essentially hiding it in a typical capsule shaped cover. In any case, staging based on reducing overall cost and difficulty of recovery are pretty cool. I'm willing to bet money on ceramic-ceramic composites adding enough re-entry options (in addition to lighter nozzles) that the staging is changed yet again.