Elon Musk took to Twitter a few days ago in order to show off the latest version of SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9R rocket, which now features X-wings.
X-wings are essentially independently-adjustable fins that deploy only after takeoff and allow for smoother vertical landings by collaborating with thrusters in order to maneuver the rocket into optimal landing positions.
In addition to the X-wings, Musk also boasted about SpaceX’s autonomous spaceport drone ships which are basically rocket launching pads at sea that use thrusters repurposed from deep sea oil rigs in order to hold position within 3m in the worst of weather conditions.
The spaceport drone ships will serve as landing and refueling stations for SpaceX’s reusable rockets.
Check out the X-wings in action at 1:10:
