SpaceX's redesigned grid fins are 50% larger with three instead of four fins, improving Super Heavy booster landing precision ...

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has redesigned some parts of its colossal Mars-bound Starship to improve its stability and control. The ...

The first grid fin for the next generation Super Heavy booster. The redesigned grid fins are 50% larger and higher strength, moving from four fins to three for vehicle control while enabling the ...

SpaceX has the first grid fin for the next generation Super Heavy booster. The redesigned grid fins are 50% larger and higher strength, moving from four fins ...

The grid fins are expected to help ease some of those problems."The successful test of the [grid-fin] technology is of great significance to solving the landing issue," the report quoted CASC ...

After all, these hypersonic grid fins make the Falcon 9-R look nothing like the almost iconic rebel ship. They do, however, still play a pivotal role, no pun intended.

The launch of a Long March 2C from Xichang last week included a first use of grid fins by China to minimize the threat posed by the spent first stage to populated areas downrange.

The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) tested grid fins on a Long March 2C in July. CALT is developing its own retropropulsive landing capabilities for use on the planned Long March 8.

The new fins are a bit heavier, but are designed for multiple re-uses as SpaceX seeks to more toward rapid reuse of its first stage booster. A photo of SpaceX's new titanium grid fins. Credit: SpaceX ...

The recovered Iridium-2 Falcon 9 booster with new titanium grid fins in California. Pauline Acalin SpaceX had a busy 48 hours last weekend. The private spaceflight company pulled off bi-coastal ...

Grid fins have been in use for several decades. Their distinctive shape and lattice interior have given them the nicknames of 'potato mashers' and 'waffle irons.' This grid fin flew on the Falcon 9 ...

Grid fins are stowed on ascent and then deploy on reentry for "x-wing" style control. Each fin moves independently for pitch/yaw/roll. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 22, 2014 ...