Quote from: meekGee on 01/28/2017 08:29 pmAgreed that it looks like a hole but probably isn't.But if it isn't - wth is it?Those cut sections really do look like deck beams to me. We don't have much to go on, but one possible explanation is in order to elevate that container, they decided they needed to strengthen the deck beneath and around the support 'legs' to distribute the load. Given there are no access hatches into that area, they'd need to cut out and replace some of the substructure in the process.
Agreed that it looks like a hole but probably isn't.But if it isn't - wth is it?
Quote from: CameronD on 01/29/2017 09:42 pmQuote from: meekGee on 01/28/2017 08:29 pmAgreed that it looks like a hole but probably isn't.But if it isn't - wth is it?Those cut sections really do look like deck beams to me. We don't have much to go on, but one possible explanation is in order to elevate that container, they decided they needed to strengthen the deck beneath and around the support 'legs' to distribute the load. Given there are no access hatches into that area, they'd need to cut out and replace some of the substructure in the process.That shot is one of the best perspective-conundrum pictures I've ever seen...
They may install a door in the blast wall to allow access to the newly free space under the raised container. Seems like a lot of work to create a small amount of deck level storage, but they did have a little Spider lift destroyed by a hard landing. Maybe they need a secure little garage?
Hawthorne-based SpaceX, which is working through a backlog of rocket launches, wants to double the space it leases at the Port of Los Angeles to park and handle recovered space equipment.The Board of Harbor Commissioners will vote at its Thursday morning meeting on a deal to enlarge Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s footprint at San Pedro’s outer harbor. The company hopes to lease 4.6 acres of land and water area along Berths 51 to 53 for $23,735 a month, plus insurance and any incidental costs.In addition to extra space, the lease agreement allows the company to have berthing rights, install a chain-link fence around the property, build a concrete rocket-support pedestal, and add an office trailer, guard shack and portable restrooms, according to a staff report prepared for the commission....If the Harbor Commission approves the company’s lease expansion, it will provide enough space and access to comfortably park and offload the massive equipment on a regular basis. SpaceX plans at least six launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base through 2018 that will require at-sea landings, which means San Pedro will be getting an eyeful of the company’s rockets....The port parking spot actually is on the campus of AltaSea marine research facility....“Along with Boeing, Catalina Sea Ranch and the Exploration Vehicle Nautilus, AltaSea and the Port of LA are the home of space exploration and underwater exploration,” Buscaino said in a written statement. “My hope is that Elon Musk continues to see AltaSea and the Port of Los Angeles as an asset to his operations and continues to grow his company’s presence in San Pedro.”
Continuation on my previous speculation : If the current modifications are intended to robotically secure the booster, does the replacement of the center plates of the deck have anything to do with this ? Could the old deck have been replaced with materials that are more easily weldable ? Then the robots would grab the legs and weld themselves on the deck in order to secure the booster before the processing crew boards the ship.
Quote from: Alastor on 02/02/2017 03:03 pmContinuation on my previous speculation : If the current modifications are intended to robotically secure the booster, does the replacement of the center plates of the deck have anything to do with this ? Could the old deck have been replaced with materials that are more easily weldable ? Then the robots would grab the legs and weld themselves on the deck in order to secure the booster before the processing crew boards the ship.{Channelling my inner Jim} They're not going to "robotically secure" anything. There is no need to do so.If the center plates were indeed beefed up, it would only be address concerns with deck overheating (plates buckling) because their landings are so darned accurate.
Heh then you need to come up with an alternative theory for the under-container space.... It's only polite...
Quote from: CameronD on 02/02/2017 09:21 pm{Channelling my inner Jim} They're not going to "robotically secure" anything. There is no need to do so.If the center plates were indeed beefed up, it would only be address concerns with deck overheating (plates buckling) because their landings are so darned accurate.Not trying hard enough ! You used more than two words (Sorry, Jim, but it's a bit true ).
{Channelling my inner Jim} They're not going to "robotically secure" anything. There is no need to do so.If the center plates were indeed beefed up, it would only be address concerns with deck overheating (plates buckling) because their landings are so darned accurate.
They nearly lost a booster once, and I take that as proof that there actually is a need to do so ! The concern not being that the landing wouldn't be accurate enough, but rather that the weather would be too bad to be able to safely boarding the ship and much less work on it.
I assume he's referring to Thaicom-8, where one leg partially or completely crushed it's core and the rocket was leaning. It was decided that it was unsafe for crews to secure the stage at sea, so it walked around on the deck for something like 5 days, somehow staying on the ASDS because of those short beam rails(or whatever they're called) around the perimeter.
I know, not likely.
Quote from: Req on 02/03/2017 02:10 am I know, not likely.Less than not likely, more like nil of a chance.
Quote from: Req on 02/03/2017 02:10 amI assume he's referring to Thaicom-8, where one leg partially or completely crushed it's core and the rocket was leaning. It was decided that it was unsafe for crews to secure the stage at sea, so it walked around on the deck for something like 5 days, somehow staying on the ASDS because of those short beam rails(or whatever they're called) around the perimeter.Correct - and the booster had scudded across the deck and the only reason it didn't go over the side was because it was stopped by the yellow "toe kick" welded around the perimeter of the deck. Now, this is being admitted by the guy (and I am a boater, crew, and someone knowledgeable in things nautical) who thought this kind of movement was unlikely due to the ballasting and dynamic positioning that the ASDS is equipped with. However, I was proven wrong by that landing and subsequent sliding of a stage, a rocket that apparently I'm unable to come to grips with regarding its sheer size and stature.