My system uses an inflatable thermal protection system to slow below
sonic speeds and fold away wings when gliding below the speed of
sound. A tow plane flying down-range snags the booster as it is
gliding down-range with a tow line and tows it back to the launch
center. There the booster is released. The engine re-starts at a low
thrust setting, as the booster climbs into vertical position. It then
settles down tail first, like the old tail sitters from the 1950s - on
a mobile landing platform. The wings and thermal systems retract and
the booster is readied for another launch.