E-Cat
Member
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/552153757338066944
After delivering the cargo to ISS, SpaceX will attempt a return of the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket through the atmosphere and land it on an approximately 90 by 50 meters (300 ft × 160 ft) floating platform, the 'Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship':
This will be the first flight ever to attempt a solid surface landing, with an estimated chance of success at 50 %. SpaceX will conduct multiple such attempts this year, with an overall 80 % chance of success. A successful landing would be a huge game changer since used rockets are now discarded into the ocean. Think of it like building a 747 and then trashing it after the first flight, and what that does to your finances.
After delivering the cargo to ISS, SpaceX will attempt a return of the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket through the atmosphere and land it on an approximately 90 by 50 meters (300 ft × 160 ft) floating platform, the 'Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship':
This will be the first flight ever to attempt a solid surface landing, with an estimated chance of success at 50 %. SpaceX will conduct multiple such attempts this year, with an overall 80 % chance of success. A successful landing would be a huge game changer since used rockets are now discarded into the ocean. Think of it like building a 747 and then trashing it after the first flight, and what that does to your finances.
