Grasshopper Divert | Single Cam (Grasshopper vs. Cows) Grasshopper Divert | Single Cam (Grasshopper vs. Cows) - YouTube
I think this is going to become one of my favorite threads. These tests are just so amazingly cool.' I am liking the SpaceX sub-section..
Very exciting to see Elon's tweet about how they believe they have all the pieces. I wonder how many people will understand the significance of the achievement once accomplished? Hoping for a majority because after all it is 'rocket science'
More Grasshopper tests coming up fairly soon it appears. At around the 1:30 mark the announcer (Jessica) from SpaceX states: "The next set of tests that we are going to do for Grasshopper you should stay tuned: we are going to be doing a series of increasing altitude tests and some more aggressive steering manoeuvers. We are going to be doing a few more tests in McGregor. We are also going to be running some tests at Spaceport America in New Mexico. So be sure to stay tuned for those. " It will also be interesting to see how the McGregor FAA permit gets extended since the permit is only good thru October 17th.. [video]http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32718.225#msg1105906[/video]
Well I guess fairly soon meant today:smile: No detail yet. Twitter / mkelly007: A friend in Mcgregor, Texas ...
Grasshopper 744m Test | Single Camera (Hexacopter) Grasshopper 744m Test | Single Camera (Hexacopter) - YouTube
Good, they have found a new FPV multicopter operator or solve issues with the last one... But damn that is cool!
Another awesome addition to the Grasshopper legacy. I hope the next test happens in New Mexico so I can go down and watch it. I believe they are limited to 11,000 feet in Texas.
One of four landing legs with a carbon fiber layup and hydraulic ram. During liftoff, it is flush to the body, and then acts as an air brake on the return. Can't wait to see it in action.
In case you haven't seen the full video yet: Grasshopper 744m Test | Single Camera (Hexacopter) - YouTube
I read in an article (sorry no link) that this would be the last test of the grasshopper and after this they were switching to a different VTOL rocket ... can anyone confirm or deny this?
Just can't explain how excited I am about this. My 4 year old and I watch the Grasshopper videos all the time. He now says he wants to go to space and I can come if I want.
"Following the successful test flight carried out on October 8, SpaceX's Grasshopper v1.0 is to be retired, and will be replaced by Grasshopper v1.1, which is also known as the Falcon 9 Reusable development vehicle." So Discoducky don't worry there will be more cool videos for you and your son:smile: Here is additional information. http://www.gizmag.com/grasshopper-retires-altitude-record/29384/
I've seen varying opinions on this (last flight of this "Grasshopper 1" test rocket) but nothing official from SpaceX AFAIK. This last test-flight did go right up to the 2500-foot test ceiling for the McGregor, TX test site though. So the only thing future tests could do is test a larger sideways 'divert' maneuver maybe. Higher-flying tests will move to Spaceport America, NM. Not sure when this move will take place though. SpaceX is working on a "newer Grasshopper" though, based on the latest 1.1 rocket, with 3 engines instead of 1, and incorporating the landing legs that will be used on the real thing. But no details yet on exactly how it will all work, what tests will be done, or when.
Elon said that the data from the last Falcon 9 1.1 indicates that they could have reusability by the end of next year. Even doubling that time frame means that tests should be happening at a much greater pace.
SpaceX rocket could see first Spaceport America launch in December - Las Cruces Sun-News December for Spaceport America's grasshopper test.