As stated in this article, https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/kennedy-cape-brownsville-launch-pads-schedules/ , Spacex is looking at building a BFR manufacturing facility in Florida near Blue Origin's facility. However, since each module of the BFR should be able to fly great distances, shouldn't they be able to simply determine the best industrial location, build them there, and autonomously fly them to KSC or Brownsville? Why should anything besides air traffic be a factor with the capabilities of the BFR modules?
Quote from: paulthew on 01/25/2018 11:28 pmAs stated in this article, https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/kennedy-cape-brownsville-launch-pads-schedules/ , Spacex is looking at building a BFR manufacturing facility in Florida near Blue Origin's facility. However, since each module of the BFR should be able to fly great distances, shouldn't they be able to simply determine the best industrial location, build them there, and autonomously fly them to KSC or Brownsville? Why should anything besides air traffic be a factor with the capabilities of the BFR modules?You can't just launch a rocket from anywhere you want, especially one the size of BFR.
Given how EM thinks about vertical integration I can easily imagine the BFR facility being in Florida.
Q: Where will the BFR be built?A: We're looking at building a facility by the water in LA. We thought we'd build it in our factory in Hawthorne, but we priced transport to the harbor, and it came out to $2.5m per trip. It would require taking down stoplights, and just wouldn't be worth it. So we will build a new facility by the water. We will eventually also have a number of production sites by out launch sites.
As stated in this article, https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/kennedy-cape-brownsville-launch-pads-schedules/ , Spacex is looking at building a BFR manufacturing facility in Florida near Blue Origin's facility.
WIRED has learned that SpaceX is actively considering expanding its San Pedro, California facility to begin manufacturing its interplanetary spacecraft. This would allow SpaceX to easily shift personnel from headquarters in Hawthorne.
That reflects the rumors I've heard for a long time. The word "facility" makes me chuckle, so far that facility is a single-wide trailer, or at least it was a year ago when I got stuck there. Most of the port in that area is parking lot.
Quote from: ShawnGSE on 02/02/2018 12:46 amThat reflects the rumors I've heard for a long time. The word "facility" makes me chuckle, so far that facility is a single-wide trailer, or at least it was a year ago when I got stuck there. Most of the port in that area is parking lot. Pshhhh, don't sell it short! It also has a moderately sized tent in store
I'm was referencing Mydoc's overhead shot of the Reese Avenue tent, if that wasn't clear.
Quote from: Cheapchips on 02/02/2018 08:12 pmI'm was referencing Mydoc's overhead shot of the Reese Avenue tent, if that wasn't clear.Ah, I see. The Reeves Avenue tent wouldn't seem to be a suitable place to build a spaceship. For instance, you would need ovens to cure the carbon fiber vessels.I vaguely recall that the buildings on site already have environmental approval for demolition. So I am assuming that all the buildings on the Reeves Avenue site would be razed and SpaceX would build a reasonably-sized factory.
Quote from: Cheapchips on 02/02/2018 08:12 pmI'm was referencing Mydoc's overhead shot of the Reese Avenue tent, if that wasn't clear.Ah, I see. The Reeves Avenue tent wouldn't seem to be a suitable place to build a spaceship. For instance, you would need ovens to cure the carbon fiber vessels.>
When NASA and Boeing (with Janicki) built and tested large cryotanks a few years ago they used an out-of-autoclave composite. SpaceX used Janiki to build their 12m "ITS" tank.https://www.nasa.gov/feature/case-study-nasaboeing-composite-launch-vehicle-fuel-tank-scores-firsts
I argue that for Gwynne Shotwell to convince Elon Musk that $2.5 million transport cost are too expensive for transport she needs to provide an alternative that does not greatly affect the timeframe. Otherwise they would build at least the first 6-8 BFS and BFR at their Hawthorne facility as initially planned. The where and how is another matter.