SpaceX’s future includes rockets with X wings, autonomous landing ports

FalconR

Just when you thought SpaceX couldn’t get more interesting, Elon Musk goes and shows off the latest version of the company’s Falcon 9R rocket, complete with real life X wings.

No ad to show here.

The four independently maneuverable fins are designed to make the reusable rocket easier to land and will only deploy after takeoff when they’ll work in unison with the thrusters. Once the rocket’s landed, they return to their original position.

Read more: Space X’s Grasshopper can now move sideways

Early flights of F9R will reportedly take off with legs fixed in the down position, however we will soon transition to liftoff with legs stowed against the side of the rocket with leg extension just before landing.

In addition to the X-wings, Musk revealed that SpaceX is working on autonomous spaceport drone ships. Yup, that’s right, the company wants its rockets to be able to take off and land in the ocean.

Read more: Elon Musk wants to bring ‘low cost internet’ satellites to the world

The ships will apparently come equipped with repurposed oil rig thrusters designed to hold it within three meters of its original position, even in a storm.

Here’s the full stream of Musk’s tweets on the new technologies:

No ad to show here.

More

News

Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest in digital insights. sign up

Welcome to Memeburn

Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest in digital insights.

Exit mobile version