>>13636599Both are right.
The more fuel they use on propulsive landing, the less they can put into orbit. That's simple.
So in theory RTLS is possible, but with limited payload. However, it's their first rocket and currently their priority is to get it working, they'll optimize and upgrade it later. They may not even attempt a recovery after the first few launches.
Another option is a parachute, rocket almost two times wider than Elector (1,2m vs 2m) and only 2 meters taller (18m vs 20m). If I did my math correctly, since I couldn't find info, based picture related first stage is 12,3 m long, while Electron's first stage is 12,1 m long. So the biggest difference is width, and mass because RFA One is made of stainless steel as opposed to carbon composites for Electron.
My guess is they'll go with parachute. It just seems easier, adds less mass, instead of legs you only add a parachute.
