Popular Mechanics gets all excited over PayPal/Tesla Motors/SpaceX magnate Elon Musk’s next set of high-tech tricks, including drones and rockets with unfolding wings (in a Star Wars-like configuration). if I had a billion dollars, I’d be doing this stuff too:
The SpaceX chief unveiled the new Falcon 9R rocket design, which includes four guiding wings that unfurl shortly after launch. While subtitling it the “X-Wing” design, it’s actually the Hypersonic Grid Fins. Their X-configuration is meant to aid in the landing of the craft, one of the first ever reusable rockets.
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But not to be outdone by introducing us to just a little piece of science fiction come to life, Musk also unveiled the Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship, which uses oil rig technology to stay within a relative space of just under 10 feet, even in the harshest ocean conditions.
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