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SpaceX F9R updates (say F-niner)

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  • SpaceX F9R updates (say F-niner)

    The F9R (F-niner) will be the re-usable version of the Falcon 9 v1.1 expendable booste.

    Height: 227 feet with the 5 meter fairing
    First stage: 9 restartable Merlin 1D engines at 147,000 lbf each
    Engine arrangement: 1 central surrounded by 8 in an octagon (octaweb)
    Second stage: 1 restartable M1Dvac (Merlin 1D vacuum)

    After the first stage separates from the second stage it will turn about, return to near the launch site, deploy a 60 foot wide array of 4 legs and land. It will then be inspected and prepped for another flight. This could reduce launch costs by 90%.

    Latest pic is of the carbon fiber folding legs. Elon Musk tweets

    Elon Musk; @elonmusk
    F9R (pronounced F-niner) shows a little leg. Design is a nested, telescoping piston w A frame. pic.twitter.com/H49TSS2CYl

    Giacomo Balli; @BigBall
    @elonmusk is it hydraulic?

    Elon Musk; @elonmusk
    @BigBalli High pressure helium. Needs to be ultra light. All 4 legs together (~60 ft span) weigh less than Model S.
    Dr. Mordrid
    ----------------------------
    An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

    I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps
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