The Bell Nucleus 2017-2018 BN Jan 2018 Issue | Page 15

leased by SpaceX, a system like the Fal-
landing sight. Grid fins guide the rocket con 9 could be implemented to both
as it plummets towards earth to provide launch and refuel a vessel that would be
stability, and cold-gas thrusters flip the travelling much greater distances, for in-
rockets to fall thruster-side down for stance to Mars.
landing. As the Falcon 9 approaches the
The entry of innovative minds like
landing site, its thrusters activate to slow Elon Musk into the space travel industry
the vessel down and ease to a halt, with only serves to advance the possibilities of
carbon fiber landing legs propping up the humanity furthering its reach into space,
rocket. one rocket at a time.
SpaceX’s innovation has long-term
benefits. By designing a rocket capable of
reentry to earth, space travel can save
millions of dollars while also allowing the
opportunity for an interplanetary
transport system. In a simulation re-
JANUARY 2018 |
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and land onto a launchpad or orbital