7
$\begingroup$

Although the synchronous landing of the Falcon Heavy side boosters looks impressive, they seem to have traveled a long way back to the landing zones.

How does this compare with Falcon 9 launches with land landing?

Would it have been more efficient in this case to land the side boosters on additional droneships?

I'm interested in whether the amount of droneships was a bottleneck here, or if the way it was done was actually the best option.

Also, are there any plans known for possible multi-droneship missions?


Update:

$\endgroup$
5
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ When Red Dragon was on the schedule, it was going to land the side boosters on droneships and expend the center core. Moot point now, though. $\endgroup$
    – DylanSp
    Feb 6, 2018 at 21:56
  • $\begingroup$ I'll have to find a source, but Elon musk has mentioned the possibility of center expended, side on barge FH config. $\endgroup$
    – NPSF3000
    Feb 24, 2018 at 20:49
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Thanks for the hint @NPSF3000. I have read this, too, and included the reference in the question. $\endgroup$ Feb 25, 2018 at 19:32
  • $\begingroup$ Thing is, if the side boosters land in the sea, you kind of have to expand the central core since it'll separate even further away $\endgroup$
    – Antzi
    Feb 26, 2018 at 5:27
  • $\begingroup$ Good to hear they are keeping with the naming convention. $\endgroup$ Feb 26, 2018 at 9:52

1 Answer 1

9
$\begingroup$

Currently SpaceX has only one drone ship in the Atlantic, Of Course I Still Love You, so it wasn't an option. As far as I know, they aren't planning to build more; their goal is to do as many return-to-launch-site (RTLS) landings as possible in the future.

Landing all three on drone ships would allow them to expend more fuel in boosting, increasing the potential payload of a Falcon Heavy launch, but it would add several days of sea travel to the turnaround time of a booster.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

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

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