Sideways

On August 13th 2013, SpaceX launched it new experimental reusable rocket nicknamed "Grasshopper," for a successful test flight. The rocket's test marked the first time that a man made spacecraft lifted off and then landed vertically.

The 10 story tall rocket took off from SpaceX's launch facility in McGregor, Texas. The rocket flew to an altitude of 820 feet before flying sideways for about 328 feet. Then, in mid air, it flew back to it's original position and then quickly descended for a perfect landing back on the launch pad.

While the entire flight only lasted for just over a minute, lateral movement, or divert tests are important for showing how well a reusable rocket can be controlled. The larger the rocket the more difficult that can be. At 10 stories, one can see how this successful test will help in designing spacecraft that may one day be used to deliver payloads to the International Space Station.

SpaceX already has a contract with NASA under which it uses it's Falcon 9 rocket and robotic Dragon Capsule for cargo runs to the ISS. One day it may be possible to cut cost by using Grasshopper to carry supplies into space and then fly the rocket back into the atmosphere for a pinpoint landing.

It's conceivable that at some point, with continuing advancements in rocketry, that it may one day be possible to have manned space flights using rockets patterned after "Grasshopper's" design. It might sound like hyperbole, but we may be on the cusp of a new paradigm in space flight technology.