SpaceX flight testing in South Texas

[ORAC]

Video

https://x.com/JoeTegtmeyer/status/20...928533291?s=20

I thought I'd try to illustrate how Starship 39 made up for a less than optimal sub-orbital insertion and lower-than-planned perigee by using aerodynamics during re-entry to extend its downrange flight profile and make an on-target landing in the Indian Ocean.

The ship used a combination of Angle-of Attack (AOA) changes, the flaps and body of the ship as lifting surfaces to manage the total drag forces to "fly" a longer distance, all while managing plasma heating & velocity decreases to prepare for the landing burn.

@SpaceX had to do this because of the loss of the one RVAC at about the 3:03 mark just after hot staging, resulting in the remaining 5 engines to compensate and burn longer.

Impressive example of the Avionics, Navigation & Control used with Starship!

​​​​​​​Check out this short video clip with illustrations & information along the way! I hope you find this informative!