This concept of a reusable launcher uses a winged first stage with gliding capabilities that can descend performing a controlled re-entry, returning the rockets to an area where it can be captured to safely land on the ground.
In collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), FALCon aims to verify the design of a winged reusable first-stage booster. It uses the latest drone technology to emulate the inflight capture and towing to the landing station.
The winged First Stage Booster enables controlled gliding and descent; Capture System captures the shuttle inflight using a relative positioning system; Towing Platform tows the shuttle to the ground and releases it for autonomous landing.
Embention has designed a scale model for the first-stage booster. It can fly fully autonomously above 5000m, gliding for capture at speeds up to 150km/h and performing inflight turbine restart to simulate flight stages during the recovery.
