After watching the SpaceX Falcon 9 Iridium launch from Vandenberg last night several times it became apparent that the stage separation resulted in what can only be described as some very strange behavior of the separated stage. I came away with the distinct impression that either this was indeed strange behavior of the separated stage or in fact was a pulse detonation engine test piggybacked onto the separated stage(?). Be interested in your comments...,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyKAJsQngIc
-Growlzler
Update: The strange behavior is not strange at all. They're the nitrogen thrusters on the first stage guiding it back with the grid fins for a gentle landing into the sea. Then some shots of the 2 fairings after separation with their own nitrogen thrusters guiding it back and hopefully being caught before landing in the ocean.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Iridium Vandenberg Launch
Moderator: Mike Everman