Falcon 9, a two-stage rocket capable of reflight. The Falcon 9 is designed by SpaceX and is considered to be one of the biggest achievements in rocket engineering.

How does aluminium help to land the Falcon 9?

SpaceX developed a few technologies to ensure the accuracy of the Falcon 9 as it is going to land. One of these technologies is a number of deployable aluminium/ titanium grid fins and carbon fiber/ aluminium landing gear. The grid fins and landing gear provide a certain level of control in the first phase of the rocket’s trip back to Earth.

In the upper atmosphere, cold gas thrusters are being used. When the rocket reaches the lower atmosphere the grid fins deploy. The grid fins are used as wings. They are liable for the position of the rocket and guide the rocket back to Earth. The landing gear is very important to land the rocket in a vertical position. 

However, these are not the only ways SpaceX used aluminium. Aluminium lithium alloy tanks are being used to contain liquid oxygen and kerosene. Because of the aluminium, a lot of weight is being reduced. For this reason, the payload of the rocket increased.

(Source: Light Metal Age)