Re: vertically challenged
Turns out in tests the parachutes are about the same weight as fins and/or engines in combination. So you'd have extra weight for little to no extra control at the low descent. A chute for slowing down in the higher atmosphere can help when returning orbital craft I think (though I've got that idea from computer games so may be wrong!).
The fuel is lighter and the engines can be controlled better than a parachute. It's just getting the control there in the first place I guess. A but like a helicopter. We could land all the helis with parachutes, but by the time the technology is perfected, we can do powered landings.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
