On March 7 the SpaceX Grasshopper, a vertical takeoff and landing vehicle currently in development at the company’s McGregor, Texas, facility, completed a nearly 263-foot leap and hovered at that altitude for about 34 seconds before landing at the center of its launch pad. In addition to landing on its target, SpaceX said the Grasshopper’s thrust-to-weight ratio was greater than one as it returned to earth, a key developmental achievement for the vessel.
SpaceX Grasshopper Leaps Higher
Key Takeaways:
- SpaceX's Grasshopper successfully completed its fourth test flight, leaping nearly 263 feet, hovering, and landing precisely on its launch pad.
- A key achievement of this test was maintaining a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than one upon return, a crucial developmental milestone.
- The Grasshopper program aims to develop reusable rocket technology to significantly reduce the cost of space exploration.
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