SpaceX’s planned reusable first-stage rocket, “Grasshopper,” had a successful 24 story flight.
On Saturday, SpaceX had another successful test flight for its "Grasshopper" rocket. The Grasshopper is a test rocket, designed to assist SpaceX in developing rockets that can takeoff and then land vertically.
"Grasshopper, SpaceX’s vertical and takeoff and landing (VTVL) vehicle, continues SpaceX’s work toward one of its key goals – developing fully and rapidly reusable rockets, a feat that will transform space exploration by radically reducing its cost," said the company in a statement. "With Grasshopper, SpaceX engineers are testing the technology that would enable a launched rocket to land intact, rather than burning up upon reentry to the Earth’s atmosphere."
In Saturday's flight, the Grasshopper flew up 24 stories (about 263 feet). It then hovered for about 34 seconds, then it gently landed back in the center of the launch pad. Flying 24 stories doubles the Grasshopper's previous record of 12 stories, which was set in December. This marks four successful flights for the rocket since its first launch in September 2012.
You can check out the launch of the Grasshopper in the video below, complete with Johnny Cash soundtrack.
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