SpaceX Texas launch site Discussion and Updates - Thread 12

[Hog]

The test structure is now suspended inside the launch mount. The tips of the 'arm' have lips that match the perimeter of the stage. Looks like the structure is intended to apply static and dynamic downward loading to the holddown/holdup clamps, but only two opposed pairs of clamps at a time. Static loads from the counterweights sitting underneath, and dynamic loads using the hydraulic rams on the test rig. The test structure is only attached to the counterweights via a sling, so it will only be able to apply downwards force (e.g. testing maximum supported load) and now upwards force (restraining a booster running at >1:1 TWR).

Did you mean "and NOT upwards"?   

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/alexphysics13/status/1614021187608236054

Did someone ask for a deluge system at Starbase? It appears a manifold is being moved at KSC to the turn basin dock as seen on Space Coast Live, moving to Starbase for deluge system there? 👀

nsf.live/spacecoast

https://twitter.com/kspaceacademy/status/1614021907082366977

*slaps top of manifold* This baby can hold so much deluge...

[InterestedEngineer]

https://twitter.com/cnunezimages/status/1285961949449269251

Looking at the pic, it feels very little margin for the flame to not hit folded-away QDs and chopsticks with likely devastating effects.

I wonder if they are going to start tilting towards the tower a tiny bit about half way up the tower on lift off

[aero]

https://twitter.com/cnunezimages/status/1285961949449269251

Looking at the pic, it feels very little margin for the flame to not hit folded-away QDs and chopsticks with likely devastating effects.

I wonder if they are going to start tilting towards the tower a tiny bit about half way up the tower on lift off

Maybe tilt off to one side or past the edge of the tower.

[su27k]

https://twitter.com/CSI_Starbase/status/1614050743354363905

Interesting Job Posting recently appeared on SpaceX website.

Could this be the first sign of a second Integration Tower coming to Starbase?

The job title is "Supervisor, Tower Build - Night Shift (Starship)", location is Brownsville, TX.

[CuddlyRocket]

Could this be the first sign of a second Integration Tower coming to Starbase?

Might it be sensible to build a catch tower separate from the launch tower to practice catching the booster and/or ship without risk to the launch tower and launch mount etc? The catch tower could be shorter and simplified with just its own set of chopsticks. The catch tower could be some distance from the launch tower or near enough so that the catch tower chopsticks could rotate to place the booster and/or ship on a mount near enough to the launch tower that the latter's chopsticks could pick them up.

[lykos]

Good idea!
No second Table necessary.
Simple and easy.

[DanClemmensen]

Could this be the first sign of a second Integration Tower coming to Starbase?

Might it be sensible to build a catch tower separate from the launch tower to practice catching the booster and/or ship without risk to the launch tower and launch mount etc? The catch tower could be shorter and simplified with just its own set of chopsticks. The catch tower could be some distance from the launch tower or near enough so that the catch tower chopsticks could rotate to place the booster and/or ship on a mount near enough to the launch tower that the latter's chopsticks could pick them up.

Booster launch followed by a catch on the same tower requires that everything goes perfectly. Once the launch occurs, the catch must occur at a precise and invariable time less than ten minutes later. If the launch causes even minor damage, there is no time to repair it. Using a second tower separates the preparation for the catch from the preparation for the launch.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1616099653141008385

An empty barge has just sailed through Port Canaveral and is heading for the Kennedy Space Center turn basin.

SpaceX has staged a large amount of equipment at the turn basin to be loaded on a barge for onward transport.

nsf.live/spacecoast

https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1616175666419978241

Now arriving at KSC: The barge to load SpaceX's stockpile of equipment!

The cranes are already preparing to lift the booster transport stand. @NASASpaceflight

🔗Live views: nsf.live/spacecoast

[alugobi]

Tanks and deluge for Massey raptor testing?

[robot_enthusiast]

Tanks and deluge for Massey raptor testing?

That deluge manifold is as big or bigger than the one for 39A's Starship deluge, definitely way overkill for an engine or two.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1616460200986411008

Busy morning at Kennedy Space Center!

The second chopstick arm is being attached to the carriage. At the turn basin, other workers are loading SpaceX tanks onto a barge for transportation.

🔗 nsf.live/spacecoast

https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1616510382452969506

Half-loaded and plenty of room for more to come...

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1616586365025525762

Tanker Tetris!

Seven tanks in eight hours onto one barge.

From the 24/7 KSC stream 🔗 nsf.live/spacecoast

[Tangilinear Interjar]

Tanks and deluge for Massey raptor testing?

That deluge manifold is as big or bigger than the one for 39A's Starship deluge, definitely way overkill for an engine or two.

Are those manifolds and pipes the old parts from the original system that was started and never finished at 39A?

[alugobi]

At the very end of the SX tweet about the fueling test today, we can see what looks like pads they've poured in the area immediately outside the existing launch area.  They look like they might be for tanks. 

[edzieba]

At the very end of the SX tweet about the fueling test today, we can see what looks like pads they've poured in the area immediately outside the existing launch area.  They look like they might be for tanks.

SpaceX' Flickr has a high resolution image showing the new concrete pads. Each pad has a 'wall' of rebar running down its centre.

[baking]

At the very end of the SX tweet about the fueling test today, we can see what looks like pads they've poured in the area immediately outside the existing launch area.  They look like they might be for tanks.

SpaceX' Flickr has a high resolution image showing the new concrete pads. Each pad has a 'wall' of rebar running down its centre.

Definitely odd looking, but based on the spacing, I still think supports for 5 horizontal tanks.  Three reaching from one of the large pads to the other and the other two on the smaller pads perpendicular to the first three.

[tntnt]

At the very end of the SX tweet about the fueling test today, we can see what looks like pads they've poured in the area immediately outside the existing launch area.  They look like they might be for tanks.

SpaceX' Flickr has a high resolution image showing the new concrete pads. Each pad has a 'wall' of rebar running down its centre.

Definitely odd looking, but based on the spacing, I still think supports for 5 horizontal tanks.  Three reaching from one of the large pads to the other and the other two on the smaller pads perpendicular to the first three.

It's starting to look like the layout at 39A. Horizontal tanks behind the tower. There is also a larger square being prepared further back, on the line of the olm/tower. Water manifolds being shipped in.

https://twitter.com/AirbusSpace/status/1613576618483617800#m
https://twitter.com/Harry__Stranger/status/1597951243841785856#m
https://twitter.com/Harry__Stranger/status/1562424082104139776#m

[su27k]

CSI Starbase/Zack Golden: SpaceX's "Major" Concrete Problem + Water Deluge Construction Begins at Starbase

[su27k]

https://twitter.com/Alexphysics13/status/1617933393689448456

Looks like SpaceX is making a good progress on their tank farm expansion at the south side of the Starbase launch site.

This is a screenshot of part of this photo published by SpaceX on Flickr of yesterday's WDR test: https://flickr.com/photos/spacex/52646538061/sizes/4k/