Space X has launched an online new web game called SpaceX Falcon 9 Lander, which allow users to taste the difficulty of SpaceX’s real tasks.
The private space-exploration company founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk has built in real life a two-stage rocket, called Falcon 9, designed for the safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. Since 2012, SpaceX has made a total of three flights to the International Space Station. Both Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft’s final objective is to deliver humans into space.
However, the company has had some difficulties to build a reusable rocket that can land back on Earth on top of a floating platform. In June, shortly after the launch of the Space X rocket, there was an explosion, just like the one that happened 3 months before when Falcon 9 exploded after landing at an odd angle. Each explosion costs around $60 million.
In the game, users would require to spend time and effort before they manage to land a spaceship. The game has been created with software from MIT Media Lab but with a few tools to play. Arrow keys or the WASD keys are the only ones that can be used. Up key is used for kicks on the main thruster and the left and right keys are used to the drone ship’s aiming.
The most tricky part is the landing, for it could lead to an explosion, just like in real life. Moreover, the difficulty of the task depends on the fuel available, since it is not unlimited. Users will also have to play in two different stages, one on the sea and one on land.
Although the game is hard to play, it is not programmed to make users loose. Gamers can safely land their rockets once they manage to do so.
Here is the footage that may have inspired this new fun game.