Watch SpaceX’s Grasshopper Fly to 325 Meters
Video Caption: On June 14, SpaceX’s Grasshopper flew 325 m (1066 feet)–higher than Manhattan’s Chrysler Building–before smoothly landing back on the pad. For the first time in this test, Grasshopper made use of its full navigation sensor suite with the F9-R closed loop control flight algorithms to accomplish a precision landing. Most rockets are equipped with sensors to determine position, but these sensors are generally not accurate enough to accomplish the type of precision landing necessary with Grasshopper.
Previous Grasshopper tests relied on the other rocket sensors but for this test, an additional, higher accuracy sensor was in the control loop. In other words, SpaceX was directly controlling the vehicle based on new sensor readings, adding a new level of accuracy in sensing the distance between Grasshopper and the ground, enabling a more precise landing.
Grasshopper is a 10-story Vertical Takeoff Vertical Landing (VTVL) vehicle designed to test the technologies needed to return a rocket back to Earth intact. While most rockets are designed to burn up on atmosphere reentry, SpaceX rockets are being designed not only to withstand reentry, but also to return to the launch pad for a vertical landing. The Grasshopper VTVL vehicle represents a critical step towards this goal.
Grasshopper consists of a Falcon 9 rocket first stage tank, Merlin 1D engine, four steel and aluminum landing legs with hydraulic dampers, and a steel support structure.
7 responses to “Watch SpaceX’s Grasshopper Fly to 325 Meters”
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Very nice.
Good progress, I would like to see an engine shut down and then re-start as that will be required in a normal return after launch.
Which not even DC-X tried to do, though I think it was on the agenda before the landing gear accident. Armidillo has done some aerial shutdown/restarts, though…
Speaking of landing gear, how much continuous heat exposure can Grashopper’s take? An operational recoverable dragon would have them retracted until probably the last minute, also like DC-X.
at least 68 seconds’ worth!
They’ll be attempting first stage engine restart and “water landings” in their upcoming F9 launches.
Then feast your eyes on this:
http://www.youtube.com/watc…
Not trying to belittle Masten, but frankly, this is nowhere near what SpaceX are trying to achieve. Xombie is a toy compared to Grasshopper.