trajectory

SpaceX Dragon 2 Landing SpaceX Dragon 2 Landing Direct link

This is the approximate trajectory of the SpaceX Dragon 2 as it lands on Earth after a trip to the ISS.

SpaceX ITS Mars Lander EDL SpaceX ITS Mars Lander EDL Direct link

This is the approximate trajectory of the SpaceX ITS Mars lander during its approach, entry, descent, and landing phases. SpaceX has not released the Earth reentry trajectory, but it will probably be similar, albeit with lower speeds and a far denser atmosphere (which translates to a far shorter and more vertical glide.)

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SpaceX Falcon 9 Downrange Propulsive Landing (No Boostback) SpaceX Falcon 9 Downrange Propulsive Landing (No Boostback) Direct link

This is the approximate trajectory of the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster during a downrange propulsive landing (i.e. ocean landing) on the ASDS.

Note that this is the trajectory of a booster during a high-performance mission, and does not include a boostback burn. The approximate trajectory of a Falcon 9 landing with a boostback burn can be seen here.

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SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster Hoverslam SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster Hoverslam Direct link

This is a high-level, overly simplified explanation of the “hoverslam” maneuver the SpaceX Falcon 9 performs during landing.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Return to Launch Site SpaceX Falcon 9 Return to Launch Site Direct link

This is the approximate trajectory of the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster during a “return to launch site” landing (i.e. landing on land).

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ULA SMART Reuse Trajectory and Components ULA SMART Reuse Trajectory and Components Direct link

This is the predicted trajectory of the engine block on a launch vehicle implementing ULA’s SMART Reuse technology, such as the ULA Vulcan.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Downrange Propulsive Landing SpaceX Falcon 9 Downrange Propulsive Landing Direct link

This is the approximate trajectory of the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster during a downrange propulsive landing (i.e. ocean landing) on the ASDS.

Note that this profile includes a boostback burn; this profile was used during the launch of CRS-8, among others. It’s not used with heavy payloads, such as some of the larger GTO missions; instead, the booster does not perform a boostback burn and ends up much farther downrange, requiring the ASDS to position itself much farther from shore. The approximate trajectory of a Falcon 9 landing without a boostback burn can be seen here.

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