SpaceX has seen a lot of success recently due to the combination of the Falcon 9 spaceflight launch system and the Dragon spacecraft carrying cargo to and from the International Space Station. But SpaceX isn’t standing still and has continued to develop the Falcon 9 and design the successor to Dragon.
According to SpaceX founder Elon Musk, the main focus for Falcon 9 development at the moment is making the first stage of the rocket reusable. The goal is to have the Falcon 9 first stage return to the launch site and land under propulsion using retractable legs. But before that can happen SpaceX needs to perfect controlling the first stage once its initial launch duties are over.
Later this year SpaceX is set to carry out tests that will see the first stage of a Falcon 9 attempt a water landing. This will involve the rocket reducing its velocity after release, continuing to travel in a “ballistic arc,” and then using its engines once again just before landing in the water.
We’re also set to see an updated Falcon 9 design, which has more powerful engines, larger fuel tanks, and therefore a 70 percent increase in its capabilities.The new design, including the controlled landing using legs, is expected to be perfected before the end of 2014.
Then we have Dragon 2 to look forward to. Although little is known about the new spacecraft, Musk has confirmed it will have larger windows for when it starts transporting astronauts so they can see outside easily. We can also expect powerful side-mounted thruster pods, and just like next year’s Falcon 9, retractable legs are being added to the base of the craft to allow for propulsion touchdowns on land. Apparently the final design looks like a “real alien spaceship.”
Making both the Falcon 9 and Dragon 2 able to touchdown on land will ultimately save money and remove the need to use water landings. But Musk has also said it will allow for more missions to occur due to a shorter turnaround time.
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