Elon Musk tweeted that SpaceX will try to catch the Super Heavy Booster with the launch tower arm. Large grid fins will take the load.
This will save the cost of legs and enable the booster to be ready for re-launch in under one hour.
The landing legs on the Falcon 9 weigh about 2000 kilograms. The Falcon Heavy landing legs are about 3000-4000 kilograms and Super Heavy Booster would need landing legs that weigh about 6000-8000 kilograms.
The Super Heavy Booster will be able to hover. This will make it easier for a precise docking style landing.
We’re going to try to catch the Super Heavy Booster with the launch tower arm, using the grid fins to take the load
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 30, 2020
Saves mass & cost of legs & enables immediate repositioning of booster on to launch mount — ready to refly in under an hour
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 30, 2020
Legs would certainly work, but best part is no part, best step is no step
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 30, 2020
Ercxspace has a rendering of what it a tower arm catch of the Super Heavy booster would look like.
Catch and Release.#SpaceX #Starship pic.twitter.com/qBe23f3j9z
— Erc X (@ErcXspace) December 31, 2020
SOURCES- Scott Manley, Marcus House, Elon Musk , Ercxspace
Written By Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture,com
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.