Author Topic: SpaceX Texas launch site Discussion and Updates - Thread 10 (Read 1781108 times)

Chris Bergin · « **on:** 09/24/2019 12:39 am »

Thread 10 for SpaceX's development of a Boca Chica launch site.

Previous threads.

Thread 1 COVERAGE
Thread 2 COVERAGE
Thread 3 COVERAGE
Thread 4 COVERAGE
Thread 5 COVERAGE
Thread 6 COVERAGE
Thread 7 COVERAGE
Thread 8 COVERAGE
Thread 9 COVERAGE

L2 SpaceX Facilities Coverage - now very ramped up on Boca Chica:
Master L2 Level All SpaceX Launch Facilities Section

Remember the rules of posting here, from civility, to on topic, to not copyright breaching, etc. etc.

And please make sure you've got a reason for posting. No one wants to read noise. Keep on topic. Lots of splinter threads available.

Also, no arguments. One person's compacted mud may not be another person's compacted mud. No need to get shouty about it on the internet!

daveglo · « **Reply #1 on:** 09/24/2019 02:38 am »

So, maybe to get back on track, Ed posted a summary of the situation in BC:

https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=47001.msg1991165#msg1991165

I'd like to post a query regarding the Texas (Southern?) "range". I use quotes, because as far as I can tell, there is no range at the moment. Has anyone seen any info regarding a range being developed? If you look at the Eastern and Western Ranges, there is a DoD infrastructure (Canaveral/Patrick/Vandenberg), with the communications, navigational, and security assets in place to support launch and landing activities, including flight termination.

I've been searching the forums for any insight into what may exist at BC, and what is planned. Seems pretty quiet. But, surely something will have to be in place before they go offsite with their flights, right? Am I missing a thread? All I could find was this thread:

https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=48804.0

But it was mainly about an FTS on hopper, which we know is now grounded.

AC in NC · « **Reply #2 on:** 09/24/2019 05:41 pm »

At the beginning of this new Thread 10, I suspect it would be a very appropriate time to carve off the Boca Chica Property Acquisition discussion to its own thread. I hope that is well received. If not, there are guys with buttons.

SpaceX Boca Chica Property Acquisition: Implications, Discussions and Updates
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=49090.0

Nomadd · « **Reply #3 on:** 09/25/2019 09:56 pm »

(I'm sorry about this...I know it's petty and immature and a desire to mess with people but, it just feels so freakin cool to say)

Well, I'm tired of yardwork. I think I'll walk over and watch them build rockets for a while.

SteveU · « **Reply #4 on:** 09/25/2019 11:12 pm »

Quote from: Nomadd on 09/25/2019 09:56 pm

(I'm sorry about this...I know it's petty and immature and a desire to mess with people but, it just feels so freakin cool to say it)

Well, I'm tired of yardwork. I think I'll walk over and watch them build rockets for a while.

No need to be sorry-not a person here who doesn’t wish they had the same option

Nomadd · « **Reply #5 on:** 09/25/2019 11:33 pm »

Also, as of a half hour ago, I retract any negative thoughts or posts I've ever had or made about the Firm.
It was a good day.

50_Caliber · « **Reply #6 on:** 09/25/2019 11:39 pm »

Here's a launch site question- what do they plan to do with the secondary launchpad that Hopper landed on? Is the MK1 going to be put right where the Hopper sat? Is that pad able to stand up to multiple launches without modification? Will the secondary pad be used for more translation tests like the 150 meter Hopper test?
Could they possibly clear out a sandy area around there and test landing on a relatively unprepared surface?
I would love to see that!

docmordrid · « **Reply #7 on:** 09/25/2019 11:47 pm »

Quote from: 50_Caliber on 09/25/2019 11:39 pm

Here's a launch site question- what do they plan to do with the secondary launchpad that Hopper landed on? Is the MK1 going to be put right where the Hopper sat? Is that pad able to stand up to multiple launches without modification? Will the secondary pad be used for more translation tests like the 150 meter Hopper test?
Could they possibly clear out a sandy area around there and test landing on a relatively unprepared surface?
I would love to see that!

The recent FAA EA reevaluation shows it being used as the primary Starship launch pad.

Business Insider...

Lars-J · « **Reply #8 on:** 09/26/2019 02:45 am »

Quote from: docmordrid on 09/25/2019 11:47 pm

Quote from: 50_Caliber on 09/25/2019 11:39 pm
Here's a launch site question- what do they plan to do with the secondary launchpad that Hopper landed on? Is the MK1 going to be put right where the Hopper sat? Is that pad able to stand up to multiple launches without modification? Will the secondary pad be used for more translation tests like the 150 meter Hopper test?
Could they possibly clear out a sandy area around there and test landing on a relatively unprepared surface?
I would love to see that!

The recent FAA EA reevaluation shows it being used as the primary Starship launch pad.

Business Insider...

The image is no proof of that at all.

CowardlyWookie · « **Reply #9 on:** 09/27/2019 06:34 am »

Quote from: Lars-J on 09/26/2019 02:45 am

Quote from: docmordrid on 09/25/2019 11:47 pm
Quote from: 50_Caliber on 09/25/2019 11:39 pm
Here's a launch site question- what do they plan to do with the secondary launchpad that Hopper landed on? Is the MK1 going to be put right where the Hopper sat? Is that pad able to stand up to multiple launches without modification? Will the secondary pad be used for more translation tests like the 150 meter Hopper test?
Could they possibly clear out a sandy area around there and test landing on a relatively unprepared surface?
I would love to see that!

The recent FAA EA reevaluation shows it being used as the primary Starship launch pad.

Business Insider...

The image is no proof of that at all.

The image alone is not, but as docmordrid said, the FAA reevaluation document does show that being the takeoff and landing pad if you follow the link.

Cheapchips · « **Reply #10 on:** 09/27/2019 08:25 am »

Quote from: Nomadd on 09/25/2019 11:33 pm

Also, as of a half hour ago, I retract any negative thoughts or posts I've ever had or made about the Firm.
It was a good day.

Can only assume that means you also got an icepop.

Nomadd · « **Reply #11 on:** 09/28/2019 05:50 pm »

The fancy schmancy spaceship has been getting all the press lately, so I thought the pad needed some time. It looks quite a bit different with the big tanks in.

SteveU · « **Reply #12 on:** 09/28/2019 06:24 pm »

Nomadd

Thanks for the photo.

Any evidence of flame diverters? Berms or walls or trenches?

Nomadd · « **Reply #13 on:** 09/28/2019 08:37 pm »

Quote from: SteveU on 09/28/2019 06:24 pm

Nomadd

Thanks for the photo.

Any evidence of flame diverters? Berms or walls or trenches?

The pile driver is there. It might be preparing a framework base.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #14 on:** 09/28/2019 09:29 pm »

https://twitter.com/chrisg_nsf/status/1178056711405477888

Quote

Hello, Starhopper... and new mounting equipment for #Starship.

Wargrim · « **Reply #15 on:** 09/29/2019 04:16 pm »

The launch site renders/animation from the Starship presentation give a good idea of the size a full Superheavy stack launch mount (Would you call it a launch table?).

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1178127980553543680

Also, Eric posted some pictures of the launch site and launch mount parts:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=48895.msg1998887#msg1998887

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #16 on:** 09/30/2019 04:09 am »

RedLineTrain · « **Reply #17 on:** 09/30/2019 04:07 pm »

Regarding the launch stand depicted in the updated Boca Chica launch animation, it appears that the exhaust will be redirected toward the consumables tanks and hangar. Struck me as a bit weird.

Why not redirect it to the South instead?

Nomadd · « **Reply #18 on:** 09/30/2019 05:28 pm »

It's extraordinarily quiet today. I think everybody got a day off after the extreme overtime they put in last week.

kevinof · « **Reply #19 on:** 09/30/2019 05:30 pm »

Considering the massive work they put in to get to yesterday, think they deserve a day off.

Quote from: Nomadd on 09/30/2019 05:28 pm

It's extraordinarily quiet today. I think everybody got a day off after the extreme overtime they put in last week.