SpaceX successfully tests first of its kind landing flip manoeuvre

We’re gonna level with you straight up here. Despite all popular misconceptions, we’re not engineers. Yeah, nah, we don’t really understand the science of spaceships. We know they have warp-speed, they’re occasionally left adrift in places where no one can hear you scream, and they’re pretty cool. The actual science of it, though, we’re taking the word of SpaceX, and according to them, their latest test was a success. Either way, the footage is amazing. Check it out!

So basically, despite what we’re saying above, the implications of the test in this video are actually kinda cool. They’ve been trying to get their spaceships to land in places without runways or flat ground. Obviously, this is all part of Elon’s plan to get to Mars, and with the latest test results in, he’s stoked.

Recap of Starship SN8 high-altitude flight test → https://t.co/n2YPRBXehN pic.twitter.com/mi0ORTmcDD

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 24, 2020

In a couple of tweets, he announced, “Fuel header tank pressure was low during landing burn, causing touchdown velocity to be high & RUD, but we got all the data we needed! Congrats SpaceX team hell yeah!!” and “Mars, here we come!”

Mars, here we come!!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 9, 2020

With all that in mind, we also need to take a moment to share how bloody cool this video is. The great shots of different parts of the rocket doing what they need to, and the explanations of exactly what’s happening all add up to make this the kind of video you just have to see.

Fuel header tank pressure was low during landing burn, causing touchdown velocity to be high & RUD, but we got all the data we needed! Congrats SpaceX team hell yeah!!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 9, 2020

From here, Musk is planning to continue improving the rockets, making his dream a reality. He gave the SN8 rocket you see in the video only a 1-in-3 chance of completing its test, but has said the next rockets will feature ‘many small improvements’.

Many small improvements, but overall similar. Wiring is more robust, engines are more mature, nosecone is sealed better, etc.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 25, 2020

Final thought: As mentioned above, we lack the nous to do a serious analysis of this stuff, but if it’s all as promising as it sounds, then this is great stuff. Anyway, let us know what you reckon about the chances of Musk getting to Mars soon. Is it a question of ‘when’, or is it more of an ‘if’?

Just in case you missed it, here’s one of Ozzy’s latest commentary videos…Ozzy Man Reviews: CCTV#2

Video Link: SpaceX

H/T: SPACE.