A vertical take off rocket engine which can hover, but then it shuts down and re-ignites the engine in flight! Truly awesome engineering to maintain control and attitude. I can't get over how important this is. Conserving fuel in the decent phase of a spacecraft lander is, well, crucial. Especially if you need to be able to lift off again.
Xombie flying rocket shuts down and restarts in mid-air
It's akin to one of these little babies:
Masten Space Lunar Lander Challenge Flight 2
I am impressed.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Science fiction comes one step closer
![[Stumble Upon]](http://cdn.stumble-upon.com/images/16x16_su_3d.gif)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
2 comments:
Andy, I'm way too long past ALevel physics to have any idea of the technology, but I do like rockets! In the first, I've seen softer landings. In the second, seems damn close to big aeroplanes? Much enjoyed, tar.
I love rockets as well.
The first landing is a bit of a bump and something falls off :)
In the second, notice there's someone standing between the landing pad and the aircraft. They must really trust their technology.
Post a Comment