Folding out the blades in space might avoid an unstable process in high velocity wind, but to avoid them burning up, It might be a good idea to wait until after reentry and slowing to terminal velocity before folding out the blades. A wide range adjustment of pitch angle should allow them to safely slow the craft from terminal velocity to normal helicopter flight.
Helicopter landing is a great idea for reusable rockets but if all parts are reusable, I expect multi stage will always be cheaper reguardless of technological advances. Why? Less dead weight to accelerate to orbit, less fuel needed to deorbit, and less heat shielding needed. SpaceX is proving the advantage of milti stage but could benefit from helicopter landing.
Folding out the blades in space might avoid an unstable process in high velocity wind, but to avoid them burning up, It might be a good idea to wait until after reentry and slowing to terminal velocity before folding out the blades. A wide range adjustment of pitch angle should allow them to safely slow the craft from terminal velocity to normal helicopter flight.
Wesnex1 1 month ago
Helicopter landing is a great idea for reusable rockets but if all parts are reusable, I expect multi stage will always be cheaper reguardless of technological advances. Why? Less dead weight to accelerate to orbit, less fuel needed to deorbit, and less heat shielding needed. SpaceX is proving the advantage of milti stage but could benefit from helicopter landing.
Wesnex1 2 months ago