Timeline for Why is Falcon 9's shape so tall and skinny?
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
6 events
when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
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Oct 28, 2023 at 15:32 | comment | added | Stephane Bersier | The fairing is wider, so this argument about aerodynamics doesn't hold. A wider Falcon 9 (up to fairing width) would have both lower skin drag and pressure drag. | |
Jun 10, 2018 at 15:17 | comment | added | Vikki | Note that rail transport wouldn't help here, as U.S. freight loading gauges allow no more than 3.25 meters of width, and sometimes even less. | |
Nov 6, 2017 at 16:20 | comment | added | Everyday Astronaut | The argument about aerodynamics is an oversimplification. Not only the cross-sectional area of a body but also its overall surface area are major contributors to drag. The latter is in favor of lower and thicker shapes. On the other hand, drag might also be desired to maximize aero braking. | |
Jun 1, 2015 at 3:21 | comment | added | Vedant Chandra | @geoffc The main point is the transport IMO, which you've detailed better in your question. | |
May 31, 2015 at 22:10 | comment | added | geoffc | The thing about a rocket is that it leaves the appreciable atmosphere pretty fast so aerodynamics are less of an issue. | |
May 31, 2015 at 10:45 | history | answered | Vedant Chandra | CC BY-SA 3.0 |