Interesting. Examine the defects in the paint. Are those wear patterns around the upper grid fin?
Possibly the cleaning process, had increased the defects seen? Pressure washer & pole mounted scrub brushes, in addition to whatever soap/cleaner used.
Quote from: 411rocket on 01/01/2016 01:21 amPossibly the cleaning process, had increased the defects seen? Pressure washer & pole mounted scrub brushes, in addition to whatever soap/cleaner used.I don't see any evidence of cleaning. Extra high res image via reddit:The fins definitely seem to have been sprayed with some material. Maybe it's SPAM (remember that?) In fact, the linear-ish patterns to the left of the lower fin suggest it's the particles blown off the fins that did the sandblasting. The L/D set up by the fins for corridor control could explain why the streaks don't run parallel to the stage length.
I think they picked the part of the rocket least crudded up with re-entry scorch marks for this lovely instagram! The fact they said there was no damage was a bit astonishing. Could they have done such a thorough analysis of all the structures and internal parts in just under two weeks?
....The fact they said there was no damage was a bit astonishing. Could they have done such a thorough analysis of all the structures and internal parts in just under two weeks?
Quote from: Darkseraph on 01/01/2016 06:26 am....The fact they said there was no damage was a bit astonishing. Could they have done such a thorough analysis of all the structures and internal parts in just under two weeks?Well, they did say it is OK to be "fired" again. Not "launched". I can see them checking the parts of the engines subject to wear in two weeks since they are so familiar with them and have fired and tested engines many times.However readiness for flight is quite different and not mentioned yet. Full structural testing and/or disassembly should be needed which we all doubt can be done in such short time.
They are definitely going to need more robust coatings for short turnarounds. Matthew