I have previously written about SpaceX's Grasshopper Vertical Takeoff Vertical Landing Vehicle. The most recent test takeoff / landing has left us with some truly jaw-dropping footage. In August of this year, Grasshopper reached an altitude of 820 ft (250 m) with a 328 ft (100 m) lateral divert maneuver, and then returns to the center of the launch pad.
This technology is instrumental for the development of reusable rockets, both manned and unmanned, for landings and takeoffs on Earth and on off-planet destinations in our solar system.
Video credit: SpaceX
Grasshopper test launch and landing with 100-meter lateral divert maneuver
Video credit: SpaceX
Stampede!
A different camera angle shows that we've also got cows! Launches and landings are rough on the wildlife and farm animals.
Let's have a moment of silence for Rocket Frog:
Image credit: NASA Wallops
This unlucky frog became a viral video sensation after NASA's recent LADEE launch to lunar orbit.
Let's not forget Space Bat:
On March 15, 2009, Space Bat launched to instant fame on STS-119 Discovery from Kennedy Space Center.
