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Mon, Aug 19, 2013

SpaceX Grasshopper Completes 100 Meter Lateral Divert Test

Capability Critical For Landing Spacecraft Returning From Orbit

On August 13th, the Falcon 9 test rig (code name Grasshopper) completed a divert test, flying to a 250m altitude with a 100m lateral maneuver before returning to the center of the pad. The test demonstrated the vehicle's ability to perform more aggressive steering maneuvers than have been attempted in previous flights.

Grasshopper is taller than a ten story building, which makes the control problem particularly challenging. Diverts like this are an important part of the trajectory in order to land the rocket precisely back at the launch site after re-entering from space at hypersonic velocity.

The flight lasted just over a minute. A YouTube video posted by SpaceX shows the test vehicle lifting off from its pad, moving sideways, and then returning to the pad in a controlled, soft touchdown.

The test is part of SpaceX's program to develop a completely reusable space launch system, in which the main booster is recovered and refurbished for later launches.

(Image provided by SpaceX)

FMI: www.spacex.com

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