Falcon 9: mini-BFS reusable upper stage "upgrade"

[Dr Mordrid]

Never a dull moment with SpaceX

"will be upgraded" sounds like a bit more than 'a' test. Certainly testing the Skydiver entry and descent.

I'm betting on a parafoil trip to Mr Steven for the landing since he teased sonething like that last April (see post 2).

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1060253333116473344

Elon Musk ✔ @elonmusk
Mod to SpaceX tech tree build: Falcon 9 second stage will be upgraded to be like a mini-BFR Ship
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Anner J. Bonilla
@annerajb
Replying to @elonmusk
When?
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Elon Musk ✔ @elonmusk
Aiming for orbital flight by June
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Everyday Astronaut @Erdayastronaut
Replying to @elonmusk @annerajb
How will it propulsively land? The MVac would be too high TWR and have flow separation at sea level... or will this just be to practice the reentry regime?
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Elon Musk ✔ @elonmusk
Wont land propulsively for those reasons. Ultra light heat shield & high Mach control surfaces are what we cant test well without orbital entry. I think we have a handle on propulsive landings.
3:17 PM - Nov 7, 2018

[Dr Mordrid]

For context, this is from April 15, 2018.

Party balloon then was interpreted as using a ballute, but if it has BFS aerosurfaces and heat shields that's likely out.

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/985655249745592320

Elon Musk ✔ @elonmusk
This is gonna sound crazy, but
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Elon Musk ✔ @elonmusk
SpaceX will try to bring rocket upper stage back from orbital velocity using a giant party balloon