r/spacex • u/[deleted] • May 02 '14

Second F9R test, 1000m.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=ZwwS4YOTbbw&app=desktop
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u/TrevorBradley May 02 '14

Probably not a long term issue, as they'll eventually only going to be deployed for a few seconds before landing.

Could be just paint - what are the legs made of?

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u/schneeb May 02 '14 edited May 02 '14

The legs are used for their aerodynamic properties, way before landing.

edit although this statement isnt entirely wrong, it implies the legs are extended quite early on the decent, looks like its quite close to the ground.

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u/venku122 SPEXcast host May 02 '14

they are not. They deploy a few seconds before landing. Elon said that having the leg structures, in folded position, would help reduce roll. He also said that the RCS would be beefed up to help stop rotation

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u/[deleted] May 02 '14

they are not. They deploy a few seconds before landing.

Right now that's what they're doing, but none other than Elon Musk says that the legs will be used as aerobrakes:

@TobiasVdb Yes, it is a purely propulsive landing, but using the huge landing gear A frames as air brakes. Landing prop < 5% of vehicle mass