How can you overcome the challenges of reusing rockets for multiple launches?

2 Recovery method

Another challenge of reusing rockets is to choose a suitable recovery method that can safely and efficiently return the rocket to Earth. There are different options for recovery, such as parachutes, propulsive landing, or ocean splashdown. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the rocket size, shape, speed, and trajectory. For example, Blue Origin uses parachutes to slow down and land its New Shepard rocket, which is a suborbital vehicle that reaches relatively low speeds and altitudes. On the other hand, SpaceX uses propulsive landing to land its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, which are orbital vehicles that reach much higher speeds and altitudes. Propulsive landing allows more precise and reusable landing, but also requires more fuel and complex guidance systems.

3 Inspection and refurbishment

A third challenge of reusing rockets is to inspect and refurbish them after each launch, to ensure that they are ready for the next mission. This involves checking and repairing any damage or wear and tear on the rocket components, as well as replacing or replenishing any consumables, such as fuel, fluids, or batteries. The inspection and refurbishment process should be as fast and simple as possible, to minimize the turnaround time and cost of reusing rockets. For example, Rocket Lab aims to reuse its Electron rocket by catching it in mid-air with a helicopter, and then performing a rapid inspection and refurbishment on the ground.

4 Reliability and safety

A fourth challenge of reusing rockets is to maintain or improve their reliability and safety over multiple launches. This requires rigorous testing and validation of the rocket performance and functionality, as well as continuous monitoring and feedback during each launch. The reliability and safety of reusing rockets depend not only on the rocket design and recovery method, but also on the launch environment, mission profile, and customer requirements. For example, NASA has strict standards and criteria for reusing rockets that carry humans or critical payloads, such as the Space Shuttle or the Commercial Crew Program.

5 Economics and sustainability

A fifth challenge of reusing rockets is to evaluate and optimize their economic and environmental benefits. This involves comparing the costs and benefits of reusing rockets versus building new ones, taking into account factors such as development, manufacturing, operation, maintenance, and disposal. The economics and sustainability of reusing rockets depend not only on the technical and operational aspects, but also on the market demand, regulatory framework, and social perception. For example, reusing rockets can reduce the amount of waste and pollution generated by the aerospace industry, but also create new challenges for managing and disposing of the used rockets.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?