and did damage ---> 4 March 2016[edit]
During a launch of a heavy communications satellite on 4 March 2016, SpaceX did an experimental descent and landing attempt with very low propellant margins. For the first time, and in order to reduce the propellant required, SpaceX attempted the landing burn with three engines. SpaceX had indicated that the test was unlikely to result in a successful landing and recovery. In the event, one engine flamed out early, and the rocket hit the deck surface with considerable velocity, destroying the rocket and causing some damage to the droneship.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_spaceport_drone_ship

but, still..............very awesome!

zebonaut

(3,688 posts)

3. One wave could have easily knocked it over. How'd it stay so stable?

Reply to LiberalArkie (Original post)

Sat Apr 9, 2016, 10:50 AM

Apr 2016

&nohtml5=False

Dream Big.

LiberalArkie

(15,743 posts)

4. From what I caught is very low center of gravity.

Reply to zebonaut (Reply #3)

Sat Apr 9, 2016, 10:55 AM

Apr 2016

20 tons of engines just feet above the deck. The fuel tanks are empty and purged. I read a description of glueing a soft drink can to a brick and try to push it over by pressing on the can. All the weight is at the bottom like the Dragon is when it lands.

OxQQme

(2,550 posts)

5. I watched a post landing interview with Elon Musk

Reply to LiberalArkie (Original post)

Sat Apr 9, 2016, 12:17 PM

Apr 2016

and he described the landing platform as a GPS guided, 4 engined drone, capable of stability within 3 degrees, and positionally within one meter.

ewagner

(18,964 posts)

6. I CHEERED!

Reply to LiberalArkie (Original post)

Sat Apr 9, 2016, 12:54 PM

Apr 2016

I clapped and shed a tear of joy when I watched this...

Well-done SPACEX!

jtuck004

(15,882 posts)

7. The announcers were wrong. That was the most amazing spacey thing I have seen in some time.

Reply to LiberalArkie (Original post)

Sat Apr 9, 2016, 12:59 PM

Apr 2016

Don't get me wrong too. I know they were trying to keep expectations down, that it might not work, that it was an experiment...

They said it was ancillary, not related to the main mission. I get that, but for a chance at getting the whole country hopped up about what we could do, I hope someone figures out it is a huge opportunity. And a big risk, of course. (The announcers have changed a bit since the 60's too, which is good).

The image that stands out for a lot of Americans when they think of space flight is the Challenger disaster., and a whole bunch of launches that look, roughly, the same.

I think this has a chance of replacing that bad image in the sett, and when they are more confident, they should have a very well publicized national landing on someplace that would stand out. Maybe back on their spaceport or something, with about 10,000 schoolkids invited to attend. Talk about influencing the national consciousness.

Anyway, we may need to leave this rock after we have burned a little more of it up, so it might behoove us all to learn a little more about space.

And naming things, such as the landing ship "Of Course I Still Love You"

Anyway, it was cool. And the announcers sure have changed since the 60's good.