Earl
Builder of Stupid Rockets // Pres Ben //|**|\\
TEAM HAWK
Swingin' on a Star
Atlas
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This is a concept I thought of for the reuse of second stage engines (in real life). This probably has been discussed before, but I thought I would share my take on it. The purpose of this is to save the most expensive part of the second stage, the engines. It works as follows.
The initial flight stage goes just as it would normally.
Then, the engine detaches from the stage. This part is pretty much just the engine, some reaction control systems, a heat shield and some fuel.
This smaller assembly enters the atmosphere protected by the heat shield.
It then deploys its parachutes and lands safely. This is easier than landing the whole stage, and not to mention cheaper. It also wouldn't consume too much fuel or add too much mass, meaning the efficiency of the rocket isn't greatly decreased. What do you guys think? Feel free to discuss.
The initial flight stage goes just as it would normally.
Then, the engine detaches from the stage. This part is pretty much just the engine, some reaction control systems, a heat shield and some fuel.
This smaller assembly enters the atmosphere protected by the heat shield.
It then deploys its parachutes and lands safely. This is easier than landing the whole stage, and not to mention cheaper. It also wouldn't consume too much fuel or add too much mass, meaning the efficiency of the rocket isn't greatly decreased. What do you guys think? Feel free to discuss.
