The SpaceX vehicle has re-entered Earth's atmosphere and is now executing its bellyflop maneuver, a crucial step in its descent process. This maneuver, described by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk as similar to that of a skydiver, involves the spaceship orienting itself horizontally to the ground to enable free fall. Just before landing, the vehicle will reignite its engines and transition back to a vertical position.
During this phase of the descent, the vehicle will experience a significant decrease in speed as it navigates through the dense layers of Earth's atmosphere. The precise execution of the bellyflop maneuver is essential for a successful landing, as it allows for controlled descent and positioning before touchdown.
