7
$\begingroup$

How long is the first stage of a landing Falcon 9 remain hypersonic, and under control of its grid fins? Specifically the hypersonic component is of interest.

(Future second question will be, based on 6 attempts so far with grid fins, has SpaceX exceeded the record for controlled hypersonic flight yet?)

$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

6
$\begingroup$

Addressing the "has SpaceX exceeded the record" part of the question:

This graph shows that a Space Shuttle reentry was in the hypersonic flight regime for approximately 25 minutes. (I took 1.7 km/s ~ Mach 5 ~ end of hypersonic regime).

enter image description here

I'm pretty sure that's longer than the entire flight time for a recovered Falcon 9 first stage.

$\endgroup$
0
$\begingroup$

The F9 first stage remains hypersonic until only shortly before landing - this is evidenced by the sonic boom emitted shortly before landing as it transitions to subsonic speed probably less than 10 seconds before landing.

$\endgroup$
1
  • 5
    $\begingroup$ This may or may not be true (I don't know), but keep in mind that there is something in between subsonic and hypersonic, namely non-hypersonic supersonic. Borrowing from Wikipedia: In aerodynamics, a hypersonic speed is one that is highly supersonic. Since the 1970s, the term has generally been assumed to refer to speeds of Mach 5 and above. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypersonic_speed $\endgroup$
    – user
    Commented Jan 8, 2017 at 12:10

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.