SpaceX is trying to move toward more reusable rockets. The next step is to snag the returning rocket with a launch arm, which would save having to add "bulky legs" to the cylinder. Watching SpaceX videos is starting to be a lot of fun.
Along those lines, it might be easier, if rather more energy intensive, to do a sort of reverse electromagnetic launch: catch the rocket in a broad (to ease the aiming problem, especially in wind or at sea) magnetic funnel that narrows as as the landing surface itself approaches.
'Course, that would require sufficient iron or nickel in the rocket, and a means to bleed off the heat generated--or use the heat energy to provide some of the magnetic energy provided.
No, not iron/nickel, that's just what you don't want.
But it would require conductive material thick enough to sustain the induced currents needed to slow the rocket body down. And the force on those conductors would have to be transmitted to the rest of the body (e.g. the engines) with something sturdy. Right now the skin just has to be held on with something that handles the g-forces on the skin, which is pretty light. If the skin were _producing_ the forces and trying to push on the rest of the body that would be a bigger problem.
No reason for the skin to bear the load and carry it to the interior. Wouldn't it be better to have the load-bearing be more interior, with the skin just along for the ride, like it mostly is now?
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Along those lines, it might be easier, if rather more energy intensive, to do a sort of reverse electromagnetic launch: catch the rocket in a broad (to ease the aiming problem, especially in wind or at sea) magnetic funnel that narrows as as the landing surface itself approaches.
'Course, that would require sufficient iron or nickel in the rocket, and a means to bleed off the heat generated--or use the heat energy to provide some of the magnetic energy provided.
And one or two other minor engineering problems.
Eric Hines
I am definitely enjoying watching their progress. It’s Buck Rogers stuff.
No, not iron/nickel, that's just what you don't want.
But it would require conductive material thick enough to sustain the induced currents needed to slow the rocket body down. And the force on those conductors would have to be transmitted to the rest of the body (e.g. the engines) with something sturdy. Right now the skin just has to be held on with something that handles the g-forces on the skin, which is pretty light. If the skin were _producing_ the forces and trying to push on the rest of the body that would be a bigger problem.
No reason for the skin to bear the load and carry it to the interior. Wouldn't it be better to have the load-bearing be more interior, with the skin just along for the ride, like it mostly is now?
Eric Hines
You could, but I'd think you'd want to maximize the conducting area.
Isn't the conducting area all on the surface of the conductor? So the surface area could be maximized pretty quickly with coils?
Eric Hines
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