SpaceX has unveiled plans to create and begin testing a completely reusable Falcon 9, though a date for such a test has not been established. SpaceX is hoping to lower costs of launches by allowing the same hardware to be recycled over and over. These plans are in line with SpaceX's stated goal of bringing the cost per launch to $50-$100 per pound, down from the typical $10000 per pound.
The concept video for the idea has been reproduced below. I suggest making it full screen so you see the details. The original can be found on the
SpaceX website.
The closest thing to a reusable launch system was the shuttle, with the orbiter and two solid rocket boosters able to be reused after several months of refitting work. The average cost per shuttle launch was $1.5 billion, with a cost of over $10000 per pound every launch. As Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX states, creating a reusable Falcon 9 will "allow for about a 100 fold reduction in launch costs."
While a date has not been established for testing their reusable Falcon 9 concept, this will not be the first time SpaceX has revolutionized the space industry. To see more on their accomplishments check out the
SpaceX website!
I previously wrote an article on why
SpaceX is winning the race to Mars, which discusses some of their many accomplishments and plans.
