Grasshopper (rocket)

The Grasshopper is an experimental rocket for suborbital flights, which is developed by SpaceX. With her ​​is to be tested, such as a rocket stage after the start controls can be landed. The aim is to rocket components several times to use in order to save costs.

History

For the first time the project in 2011 were known. SpaceX confirmed shortly after the plans to build the rocket and for test flights in the company's test facility in McGregor, Texas. For a long time it is the stated goal of the company, including with reusable components to reduce the introduction of launchers, the cost of space missions.

The first flight took place on 21 September 2012, and lasted only 3 seconds. By October 2013, a total of eight test flights were carried out up to an altitude of 744 m, where a number of new technologies were tested. Further tests are to be with a new version of the rocket, Grasshopper v1.1 conducted. This should take place partly at Spaceport America in New Mexico, from where also flights in higher altitudes are possible.

Function

The rocket starts straight and reaches the desired altitude, wherein said special maneuvers, such as lateral drift can be performed. During flight, the launcher is balanced by means of internal sensors, and an automatic controller. Finally, the rocket thrust and reduces the returns to the start point where they braked by its own engine, touches down on the landing struts. You, achieving the accuracy of a helicopter.

Construction

Grasshopper v1.0

The first Grasshopper version is 32 m high and consists essentially of a tank of the first stage of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is powered by a single Merlin - 1D engine and has four fixed landing gear with a shock absorbing mechanism.

Grasshopper v1.1

The new version of the test rocket is also known as Falcon 9 Reusable ( F9R ) development vehicle. It builds on the tanks of the first stage of the larger Falcon 9 v1.1 and will be about 49 m high. The rocket features as the Falcon 9 nine Merlin engines and will also be equipped with a retractable landing gear.