Where will SpaceX land the returning stages?

jeff_adams · Apr 24, 2014

Haven't seen this discussed anywhere, so I thought I'd start a thread.

How close to the launch site would SpaceX land the returning stages? Does a Florida launch mean it will have to land in Florida? Would SpaceX use their spaceport in New Mexico for landings?

It seems the first landings will have to be carefully planned as to not endanger population centers with a tragic malfunction.

So where do people think the takeoffs and landings will occur? Elon has said he would like to do at least one before the end of the year.

HVM · Apr 24, 2014

To Vandenberg:

And to Cape (time 31m 13s):

rabar10 · Apr 24, 2014

jeff_adams said:
How close to the launch site would SpaceX land the returning stages? Does a Florida launch mean it will have to land in Florida? Would SpaceX use their spaceport in New Mexico for landings?

I think the goal is to bring the stages (or at least the first stage) back to very near the launch site. This coincides with Elon's stated goal for rapid reuse -- something that eventually approximates 'put it back on the launch-pad, fill it up, and launch again'.

jeff_adams said:
It seems the first landings will have to be carefully planned as to not endanger population centers with a tragic malfunction.

Part of the work they started with Grasshopper was to show good side-to-side control of the rocket. I think the plan is:
- When re-entering the lower atmosphere, put the stage on a ballistic trajectory that would end up with it still over the ocean
- As long as the engine lights again when getting closer to the ground and everything is confirmed to be in good working order, move the stage sideways to target and land on a pad very near the ocean, but on land.

That way, if something does go wrong in the return flight, the rocket stage will make a splash instead of a crater...

JRod0802 · Apr 24, 2014

If you're interested, a whole bunch of ideas regarding speculation of first stage recovery at down-range locations is taking place here:

First stage recovery at down-range locations

c041v · Apr 25, 2014

http://www.nbcnews.com/#/science/space/watch-live-elon-musk-makes-spacex-announcement-n89716

Musk currently dicsussing soft landing details and future missions of F9. He also just announced they are filing suit against the ULA.

VERY excited for the future soft landings.

aronth5 · Apr 26, 2014

jeff_adams said:
Haven't seen this discussed anywhere, so I thought I'd start a thread.

How close to the launch site would SpaceX land the returning stages? Does a Florida launch mean it will have to land in Florida? Would SpaceX use their spaceport in New Mexico for landings?

It seems the first landings will have to be carefully planned as to not endanger population centers with a tragic malfunction.

So where do people think the takeoffs and landings will occur? Elon has said he would like to do at least one before the end of the year.

The simple answer for now is Cape Canaveral. As Elon stated yesterday we should see a landing on Cape Canaveral later this year or early next year.

Reykjavik · Apr 28, 2014

The first stage can land back near the launch site. The second stage is going to be more challenging, but it reaches orbit so it can come down pretty much anywhere.

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Where will SpaceX land the returning stages?

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