Late last year SpaceX CEO Elon Musk revealed some grandiose plans to catch the Super Heavy Booster after its decent back to earth. It looks like he wants that to happen sooner rather than later based on a recent SpaceX job posting.
In the ‘Vehicle Systems Software Engineer’ job posting, the role description says the successful applicant(s) will work on developing the necessary software to support a Super Heavy launch/catch tower.
In a series of tweets in December, Musk said the launch/catch tower would help make the Super Heavy Booster ready to re-launch in as little as one hour.
We’re going to try to catch the Super Heavy Booster with the launch tower arm, using the grid fins to take the load
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 30, 2020
Saves mass & cost of legs & enables immediate repositioning of booster on to launch mount — ready to refly in under an hour
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 30, 2020
As noted by Musk, the new maneuver would redirect the stress of a landing onto the grid fins. Those are located near the top of the booster and help steer the rocket on its descent.
He also didn’t rule out still using legs to land the booster like they do now with the Falcon 9 Boosters.
Legs would certainly work, but best part is no part, best step is no step
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 30, 2020
You can watch a fan’s rendering of the proposed catch tower below.
A very interesting job posting for @SpaceX!
Looking for a Software Engineer who can help develop the “Super Heavy launch/catch tower.”
So… the whole catching concept is more than just an idea 🤯#SpaceX #Starship @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/CEJ4kJ314u
— Leo 🚀 (@TerminalCount) March 6, 2021
