A question:We hear that after LC-40 comes back on line, SpaceX will take LC-39A off line for at least 60 days to modify it for the 3 core Heavy. This includes adding two Tail Service Masts and rearranging and adding hold-downs to the launch table. (LT)What prevents SpaceX from building another launch table built for 3 cores with new TSM's & hold-downs? In principle this could be done off-site and off-line to the existing design. Then once 40 is back up they would swap the new 3 core LT for the existing 1 core LT. Then upgrade the old 1 core LT for Boca Chica, TX which will need one before it can be activated. Why would this not be more efficient and/or faster?
Why would this not be more efficient and/or faster?
I wonder if they'll start prepping for crew arm installation or even begin installation during the FH upgrade to 39A, or will they install it like how they did with the Atlas one, little by little between launches?
Quote from: Comga on 04/14/2017 07:24 pmA question:We hear that after LC-40 comes back on line, SpaceX will take LC-39A off line for at least 60 days to modify it for the 3 core Heavy. This includes adding two Tail Service Masts and rearranging and adding hold-downs to the launch table. (LT)What prevents SpaceX from building another launch table built for 3 cores with new TSM's & hold-downs? Presumably the people who would be building the new table for 39A are the same people who are already repairing 40 at double-time. Perhaps on of the folks working the pad can confirm.
A question:We hear that after LC-40 comes back on line, SpaceX will take LC-39A off line for at least 60 days to modify it for the 3 core Heavy. This includes adding two Tail Service Masts and rearranging and adding hold-downs to the launch table. (LT)What prevents SpaceX from building another launch table built for 3 cores with new TSM's & hold-downs?
Pad facilities/GSE are hyperspecialized to each location. Usually you build them in location to extreme tolerances.Very tedious and careful work that isn't "portable".
I think this is the largest factor. Additionally, and as others have pointed out, it would be more work than its worth since the elements for the 3 core variant are already fabricated and are awaiting integration with the existing 39A hardware.
... Building an entirely new TEL is a yearlong effort. ...
Quote from: cscott on 04/14/2017 11:09 pm... Building an entirely new TEL is a yearlong effort. ...If true then Pad 40 couldn't be ready anywhere close to August, and SpaceX maintains that it will.
Quote from: IntoTheVoid on 04/14/2017 11:38 pmQuote from: cscott on 04/14/2017 11:09 pm... Building an entirely new TEL is a yearlong effort. ...If true then Pad 40 couldn't be ready anywhere close to August, and SpaceX maintains that it will.Unless they started last September...
Quote from: envy887 on 04/14/2017 11:48 pmQuote from: IntoTheVoid on 04/14/2017 11:38 pmQuote from: cscott on 04/14/2017 11:09 pm... Building an entirely new TEL is a yearlong effort. ...If true then Pad 40 couldn't be ready anywhere close to August, and SpaceX maintains that it will.Unless they started last September...So, you now believe that they have two teams, since they were working on 39A at that time?
In the upper left of the second picture above, we see a interesting arrangement of wide and narrow water pipes. Does anybody here have any idea why it is set up that way? One wide pipe splits to several narrow pipes, then they rejoin to form a single pipe again before going to the pad, presumably to feed the water birds? Something to make the water flow better, or to reduce hydraulic shock?
In the upper left of the second picture above,