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SpaceX is seeking federal approval to construct two additional landing pads so that it can land three Falcon Heavy first stage boosters on the ground nearly simultaneously:
As part of the process to gain federal approval for the simultaneous landing of its Falcon Heavy rocket boosters in Florida, SpaceX has prepared an environmental assessment of the construction of two additional landing pads alongside its existing site. The report considers noise and other effects from landing up to three first stages at the same time. After undergoing a preliminary review by the US Air Force, the document has been released for public comment.
First reported by NASASpaceFlight.com, the document offers some interesting details about the proposed launch and landing of SpaceX's heavy lift rocket, which the company hopes to fly for the first time in the spring or early summer of 2017. After previously demonstrating the ability to land a single Falcon 9 booster, SpaceX also hopes to land the three first-stage boosters that will power the Falcon Heavy for potential re-use.
Improvements in the rockets' landing guidance system will allow the company to repurpose the space used by smaller contingency pads. If the additional landing pads aren't constructed, the company could try landing one or both of the remaining boosters on drone barges instead.
SpaceX's planned return-to-flight of the Falcon 9 has been delayed to Jan 14th due to weather. The company plans to launch 10 satellites for Iridium Communications.
(Score: 2) by takyon on Friday January 13 2017, @02:26PM
Last time I checked, rcoket boosters don't fall to the ground all at the same time. Re-calibrate your pedantry.
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(Score: 2) by bob_super on Friday January 13 2017, @06:12PM
The two external ones have little reason not to fall back at the exact same time. The more different they make them, the more complicated the flight gets.
Maybe delay one by a few seconds to help avoid collisions, but beyond that, symmetry is key.
Crossing fingers that there's no bug in their upgraded guidance system. One booster coming back hot from space, with enough fuel to land, is scary enough if you're nearby, but three?
I know it's only Florida, but imagine if your neighborhood is where they come down by mistake... The full Fallujah experience in your living room!