Masten Space flying rocket robot lofted over the top - first ever engine relight!

[hurbt1980]

so, that's a normal day at work for you? You have a heart attack and die?

Reigniting... Like a Boss.

[DonQuichotteLiberia]

Very impressive, I love the active stabilization. Can you give details about the kind of controller/set of sensors/actuators you use to keep it stable? Or are these things classified ;-)

[bbrockert]

@DonQuichotteLiberia It has an inertial measurement unit with three gyroscopes and accelerometers, as well as differential GPS. That lets it know where it is and what orientation it is in. It gimbals the engine to fly, as well as throttling up and down to get desired vertical accelerations.

[DonQuichotteLiberia]

@bbrockert Thanks, very nice!

[Rob260259]

Awesome!

[Patriotgal1]

CREW NASA- these people, are WAY ahead of them!! For 1/100% of the cost, I bet! 

[Thatboy1980]

i would kill for that job!

[svenp]

That's awesome.

[robotguy]

Every time I see this i am impressed by the smoothness of the landing, X and V and A all just smoothly go to zero.

[ianmga]

@robotguy It's about 35cm/s at the time of touches but it does look pretty slow. Less than that and it may not trigger the touchdown checks.

[rlewis1946]

Robert Goddard would be mighty pleased with your work!!

Beautiful!!

RL Atlanta, GA USA

[CDJSnede]

Did you shut it off on purpose?

Or was it a lucky accident?

[bbrockert]

@CDJSnede Definitely on purpose. That was the objective of the test.

[wjpomerantz]

Now, that's what a I call a good day at the office! ; )