Last Sunday, the whole world got a front-row seat to an engineering spectacle like no other! We stood there, jaws dropped and eyes wide, as this colossal cylinder—taller than a few stories and sporting a fiery tail—plummeted toward Earth, hanging lower than the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Not just any ocean, but the precise spot where it took off! And then, shivering and shaking, as it’s coming down, these colossal mechanical arms swoop in like chopsticks snatching up a giant vegetable and drop it right into the hungry maw of the base.
Boosters are employed to propel rockets. The very first rocket booster underwent ground testing in 1977. Traditionally, following the rocket's launch, the boosters deplete their fuel, detach from the shuttle, and ultimately descend into the water, aided by an impressive parachute system. Diver teams then locate and recover these boosters for potential salvage and future utilization. NASA even possesses retrieval vessels that execute booster recovery operations. The boosters are subsequently disassembled, refurbished, and reloaded for further utilization. Nonetheless, there is a concern that the reconditioned component may not possess the same durability or functionality as the original.
In 2023, there were 223 recorded space launches. Each of these launches necessitated a booster. The expense associated with constructing and launching these rockets is substantial. It is easy to envision how financially burdensome these launches could become if constructed anew each time. The principal motivation for reusing components from a space mission is clearly to save money. These systems incur costs up to millions and billions over the years. Consequently, rescuing and reusing even a fractional component of the overall space launch system enhances the economic viability of future missions.
But beyond the price tag, consider each of the components needed to build the various parts of the launch system! We're talking about aluminum, steel, titanium, nickel, copper - unsurprisingly, given the complexity of these systems, the list just goes on for forever! And let’s not forget the whole cycle of processing and manufacturing needed to turn those raw materials into gleaming components ready to build the system. The embedded CO2 footprint in manufacturing can really pack a punch!
That's why the SpaceX booster capture is a big deal for the circular economy! First up, let’s talk about reusing. By catching the massive booster in its original splendor, we’re not just saving a pretty money; we’re intensifying the usage of those materials for future launches and extending their useful life. The design of the entire system would have to been built for reusability from the get go. This cuts to the very heart of circular economy. For circular economy to become more prevalent, products need to be designed with reuse in mind, designed with replaceable parts in mind, and repair in mind. SpaceX booster capture was clearly designed with all these principles.
SpaceX's booster recapture is like a masterclass in circular design, setting the stage for budget-friendly launches and opening doors to exciting ventures like commercial space travel. Talk about a win-win - both, for SpaceX and our planet and its citizens!
Reference Links:
Krishna, S. (n.d.). Everything to know about SpaceX’s mid-air booster “catch.” Ad Astra. https://www.adastraspace.com/p/spacex-super-heavy-catch
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was once tilting dangerously. Today it’s a different story. (n.d.). CNN. https://www.cnn.com/travel/leaning-tower-of-pisa-850-years-birthday/index.html
NASA | Booster Recovery Divers. (2024, June 21). [Video]. PBS LearningMedia. https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/npe11.sci.phys.matter.booster/space-shuttle-era-booster-recovery-divers/
Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ships. (n.d.). National Aeronautics and Space Administration. https://www3.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167446main_SRBships06.pdf
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