[Two9A]

The Grasshopper tests had a full tank of fuel and (if I recall) additional ballast, to counteract the thrust of the engines. That's what allowed them to hover and perform the various low-velocity translation tests.

Of course, these barge landings are the first high-velocity tests, so there'll be kinks to work out.

[69_years_and]

Thanks, that would explain that.

I was impressed by how small the barge looked compared with the F9 it's clever that the F9 can autonomously target such a small area. If they keep targeting 'Just Read the Instructions' by the time land based landings come to be it will be nailed. Awesome stuff!