The crazy yet ingenious idea is always required in all walks of life. Excess weight is always a problem, be it either health (obesity) leading to health issues or launch vehicles which utilize multiple stages so that the excess weight can be jettisoned allowing the rockets to be efficient.

The concept of "Reusable" has emerged since sometime already as attempt over attempts are being constantly made by many private companies, creating new definitions and challenges for others. A reusable rocket is designed to be launched, recovered and then relaunched multiple times, significantly reducing the cost of access to space by eliminating the need to build an entirely new rocket for each launch. As it is relaunched, weight here does not play a major role, but rather reliability and reusability play pivotal roles. On the other hand, reusable satellites are a new class of satellites designed to be recovered, refurbished and redeployed in orbit. Unlike traditional satellites, which are typically launched, operate until their end-of-life and are then either left in orbit as space debris or deorbited, reusable satellites are built with modular and serviceable components, allowing for repeated use, either in orbit or down on earth.
In the environmental context, "reusable" products (e.g., bags, bottles, packaging) are promoted as more sustainable alternatives to single-use items, aligning with the broader movement toward reducing waste and conserving resources.
Recently “Reusable” regained buzzword status in various industries, especially in tech, aerospace and environmental sectors. But more than being just a trend word, it is a concept that addresses real issues related to efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. In aerospace, e.g., "reusable" typically refers to rockets or launch vehicles, spacecrafts or satellites or components that can be launched, recovered and then re-launched. This capability significantly reduces launch costs, which is why companies like SpaceX have championed reusability in space exploration.
So, while the word is widely used, it holds substantial value and intent, especially in industries where reusability can lead to transformative improvements in sustainability and operational efficiency. However, as with any popular term, it can sometimes be overused or misused, where "reusable" is attached to products or concepts without significant impact on actual reusability or sustainability.
Some positive points about the reusable rockets include:
Improves affordability as it gives importance to cost savings,
Increased launch frequencies where the same vehicle can be turned around for multiple launches,
Lower environmental impacts related to rocket production,
Reduced space debris by reducing the number of discarded boosters/stages,
Encouraging Innovation as it pushes advancements in materials science and engineering fields,
Make space more accessible,
Enables reliable human transportation to space
Allow engineers to gather more vehicle performance data towards design improvements and potentially safer flights,
Maximizes the use of materials and components over time,
Aid in developing novel business models like inter-continental transportation, space tourism and resource mining,
Benefiting other associated industries technologically
Likewise some negative points of reusable rockets:
Higher development costs requiring significant upfront investment, which can be risky if the technology does not succeed,
Requirement of regular maintenance like inspections, refurbishments and potential repairs between launches, adding operational complexity,
Payload capacity is affected, as extra weight is needed for re-entry and landing systems including thermal protection systems heat shields, landing legs, etc.,
More wear and tear during reuse could possibly lead to a greater chance of failures, if parts are not meticulously maintained. But this is unlikely as humans are already used to aircraft maintenance
Technologically challenging as it involves complex engineering, reliable, reproducible and efficient engine design, manufacturing and testing, including thermal protection for re-entry and precision landing systems
Ideal would be to have infinitely reusable, but after its maximum lifespan it must be retired, possibly adding to long-term costs
Infrastructure requirements including specialized landing sites, recovery teams and equipment
Higher operational and logistic challenges
Increased launches might affect the business viability of launch providers as competitive pressure may drive prices down to unsustainable levels for some providers, potentially destabilizing the market
Reusable rockets can lower the cost and increase the accessibility of space, their environmental impact on the ozone layer remains a significant issue, which still needs substantial scientific evidence. In fact, if proven true scientifically, both reusable and expendable rockets could affect the ozone layer with their own trade-offs. Efforts to develop greener fuels, reduce black carbon emissions and limit chlorine-based compounds in rocket propellants are ongoing for minimizing the impact of all types of rockets on the environment. With regulatory standards or alternative green technologies, by monitoring and mitigating the impacts through cleaner fuel choices, innovative technologies and responsible launch planning balancing the progress in space exploration is achievable. The "Chopstick Catch" system, developed for SpaceX's Starship, signifies a transformative leap in reusable technology, enabling efficient recovery and reuse of spacecraft to support more frequent, sustainable missions and advance humanity's journey into space exploration and colonization.
Now-a-days, reusable satellites are also gaining importance. There have been notable demonstrations of reusable satellite technologies aimed at enhancing cost-effectiveness and sustainability in space operations. In September 2024, China achieved a major milestone by launching its inaugural reusable satellite, Shijian-19, using a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This satellite was equipped with diverse payloads, such as plant seeds, microorganism samples and experimental technology devices. Following the completion of its mission, Shijian-19 made a successful return to Earth on October 11, 2024, landing at the Dongfeng Landing Site in Inner Mongolia. A UK-based company Space Forge is developing the ForgeStarplatform, a returnable and reusable satellite. The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency, is developing the Space Rider project under the Programme for Reusable In-orbit Demonstrator in Europe (PRIDE). These initiatives highlight the global efforts to develop reusable satellite technologies, aiming to reduce costs and enhance the sustainability of space missions.
Additionally, a novel concept emerged and is based on Autophagy. Consuming a part of its body to use as fuel, reducing weight and providing even more thrust so that greater payloads can be used. Self-consuming structure with reduced space debris at lower launch costs is the best part of this deep-tech. Elimination of dead stagesby innovative fuel design, improves payload capacity and involves simpler recovery systems. Space-tech always has challenges. Creating materials that are strong enough for structural integrity but also combustible as fuel is a significant challenge. Designing a rocket that can efficiently consume itself without compromising flight stability is highly complex. As of now autophagic rockets are primarily conceptual, still limited to laboratory testing and hot-firings. The technology is not yet ready for commercial use. It represents a fascinating step toward making space travel more sustainable and efficient. However, the Ukrainian startup, Promin Aerospace, founded in 2021 by engineers Misha Rudominski and Vitaliy Yemets, has been making strides in developing cutting-edge technologies. The company specializes in designing ultralight launch vehicles that incorporate autophagic or "self-devouring" propulsion. Through a series of engine tests, Promin Aerospace has successfully demonstrated the viability of their innovative approach. Similarly, the University of Glasgow has been advancing research on autophagic rocket technology. In early 2023, they conducted hot-fire trials of the Ouroboros-3 prototype, a rocket designed to consume its own structure as fuel during ascent, showcasing its unique capability for sustainable space exploration. If successful, autophagic rockets could revolutionize the way we approach launch vehicle design and space exploration.
Finally, Everything in rocketry is to reduce weight making space travel more sustainable and efficient.
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