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 vertical takeoff and landing vehicle successfully completed a 263-foot test flight, hovering for 34 seconds and landing precisely on its launch pad.
- This test achieved a significant developmental milestone, demonstrating a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than one upon landing and doubling the altitude of its previous flight.
- The Grasshopper program is crucial for SpaceX's goal of developing reusable rocket technology to drastically reduce space exploration costs.
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