Elon Musk’s SpaceX is trying to launch a spacecraft and have the rockets return safely to Earth…specifically on a floating barge. As it turns out, it’s not that easy. And it costs a lot of money. There’s now a web game that lets you give it a try yourself.
In case you forgot, here’s what happened in real life:
Think it’s easy? Try the game. It’s aptly called “SpaceX Falcon 9 Lander.” SPOILER ALERT: It’s freaking impossible.
Not just a little impossible. A lot impossible. Here are the instructions, where they immediately lost me:
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The objective of the game is to slow down and land on the platform.
Press SPACE to change level.
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Your thrusters use monopropellant, the main engine uses engine fuel. Letting either run out has obvious effects.
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Press H to toggle velocity vector.
Let us know if you can land the damn rocket.
