It's possible that the tug changes from a long tow (better out at sea) to a shorter one (better manoeuvrability)
...a steel and concrete “stand” would be built to secure the Falcon stage during post-landing operations. The stand would consist of four Individual pedestal structures which would be transported to site and bolted to a concrete base. Each of the four pedestals, would weigh approximately 15,000 lbs, and would be 107 inches tall and 96.25 inches wide. A mobile crane would lift the stage from the landing pad, and transport and place it on the stand. Activities such as allowing the landing legs to be removed or folded back to the stage (flight position) prior to placing the stage in a horizontal position would occur there.
Is the cruise ship being used by the SpaceX people? Seems so odd that it parks right next to the drone ship so regularly. Unless it's doing regular rounds or trips and they just happen to coincide. Thanks for the video Ohsin.
Re the recently constructed stand; this extract from the Draft CCAFS SLC-13 Environmental Impact Assesment gives some (official) sense of it's size, construction and purpose:
A FireX system would be constructed with three or four remote controlled water cannons mounted on posts above ground to allow for remote firefighting capabilities. [...][...] Safing activities would begin upon completion of all landing activities and engine shutdown. The LOX oxidizer system would be purged, and any excess fuel would be drained into a suitable truck mounted container or tanker. Any remaining pressurants (i.e., helium or nitrogen) would be vented, and any FTS explosives would also be rendered “inert” prior to declaring the vehicle safe. [ed: then presumably the stage would be secured and the ASDS would return to shore and the following steps would take place at port:] The vehicle would then be lifted and placed on to the stand; the landing legs would then be removed or folded back into place. The vehicle would then be lowered into a horizontal position, placed on a transport vehicle and taken to a SpaceX facility.
They are removing that white ramp .ASDS is about to leave port ?
Quote from: Ohsin on 01/08/2015 02:00 pmThey are removing that white ramp .ASDS is about to leave port ?Can't have a gangway attached if it's going to leave...So yes, that would be my guess
on the move!