SpaceX Recovered First Stage 'Monument' in Hawthorne

[collectSPACE]

SpaceX lands historic recovered Falcon 9 rocket stage on display
http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-082216a-spacex-falcon9-stage-display.html

SpaceX's first recovered rocket stage has landed on display outside of the company's California headquarters eight months after it made history.

The nine engine booster, which on Dec. 21, 2015, became the world's first rocket stage to help launch a payload into Earth orbit and then fly back and touch down near where it had lifted off, is now a 15-story-tall monument at SpaceX's offices and manufacturing facility in Hawthorne, California.

The Falcon 9 stage was erected on Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 20-21) at the intersection of Jack Northrop Ave. and Crenshaw Blvd., at the southeast corner of SpaceX HQ.

Photo credit: Bryce Allen via collectSPACE

Spaceflight Now published additional photos by Gene Blevins/LA Daily News.

[Jdeshetler]

Awesome, will this site be accessible to public or it will be surrounded by metal fences as it was before. ?

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-spacex-booster-20160822-snap-htmlstory.html

People who want to visit it can go to the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Jack Northrop Avenue. The sidewalk is "pretty close right there," a SpaceX spokesman said in an email — but "no, you can't touch it."

[Rocket Science]

Trying to "one up" Chris's Shuttle on his front lawn...

[Nomadd]

 They could have saved a lot of trouble by just landing it there in the first place.
 I mean, you know, except for the destroyed street and buildings.

[drzerg]

they should let people touch it. for 10$. with large sign - "money is for MCT"

[Bynaus]

Can't wait to see it on Google Maps.

[Lars-J]

I guess the clean appearance of this booster should settle the old "soot vs charred/ablated paint" debate about how what causes the "dirty" appearance of landed boosters.

[Herb Schaltegger]

Or not. You have no idea what degree of cleaning was needed, nor what that cleaning process entailed.

[Lars-J]

Or not. You have no idea what degree of cleaning was needed, nor what that cleaning process entailed.

Unless the stage was repainted, we *do* know that it was something on TOP of the paint, and not the paint itself.  But go ahead, believe what you want.

[darkenfast]

Or not. You have no idea what degree of cleaning was needed, nor what that cleaning process entailed.

Gwynne Shotwell stated a couple of weeks ago that it was mainly just soot from the engines.  We saw a cleaned up stage in the 39A HIF that looked fairly shiny. 

[Herb Schaltegger]

Or not. You have no idea what degree of cleaning was needed, nor what that cleaning process entailed.

Gwynne Shotwell stated a couple of weeks ago that it was mainly just soot from the engines.  We saw a cleaned up stage in the 39A HIF that looked fairly shiny.

True enough. But we don't know how they cleaned the cork surface, nor the level of effort or products/tools needed to do it, and we don't know what level of refurbishment will be needed for reflight (surface sanding of charred cork & patching/repairing?) Etc.

But this has been hashed and rehashed elsewhere in months past.

[catdlr]

You can visit the first SpaceX rocket booster that blasted off and came back

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-spacex-booster-20160822-snap-htmlstory.html

[mfck]

How is this structure supported and kept in place? Is the octaweb only supported by the legs? There seem to be no cables either.

[Survtech]

Did they tear down part of the smaller building on the corner to make room for the Falcon?  Google Street View (May, 2016) shows the building coming nearly to the corner of Crenshaw Blvd. and Jack Northrop Ave.

[Chris Bergin]

Trying to "one up" Chris's Shuttle on his front lawn...

I don't think the neighbours would appreciate that.

It does look great, though. Also a very handy example of scale.

[Lars-J]

Did they tear down part of the smaller building on the corner to make room for the Falcon?  Google Street View (May, 2016) shows the building coming nearly to the corner of Crenshaw Blvd. and Jack Northrop Ave.

Yes.

[Elmar Moelzer]

Some images of the display at Hawthorne, courtesy of Oliver Hotz. The last image shows them doing some tests/inspections on the interstage.

[Comga]

Has anyone spotted the purported "off white" first stage serial number that is supposed to be near the bottom?
Where I read that has been forgotten.

[shooter6947]

Pics taken yesterday on a detour on the way to LAX.

[jeffkruse]

It would be cool if the grid fins would wave at you.  Maybe some burst of nitrogen coming from the thrusters.   

[king1999]

Amazing that they just use the four legs without additional support!
Can an earthquake topple it?

[shooter6947]

Or wind.  I was surprised that they didn't at least have guy wires on or it or something.  Maybe that's something that they'll add in the coming days/weeks.

[CameronD]

If they loaded the prop tank with enough water ballast, I wouldn't think it'd need guy wires to hold it there: this is Hawthorne, not the rolling ocean. ..besides, they've probably bolted the feet down to the concrete to make it harder for someone to steal it. 

It would be cool if the grid fins would wave at you.  Maybe some burst of nitrogen coming from the thrusters.   

Well, I do think it's cute that they've got the grid fins deployed since that would have required some extra effort.

All that's missing is the Big X logo on the pavement underneath showing a touchdown right on target.

[guckyfan]

If they loaded the prop tank with enough water ballast, I wouldn't think it'd need guy wires to hold it there: this is Hawthorne, not the rolling ocean. ..besides, they've probably bolted the feet down to the concrete to make it harder for someone to steal it. 

A number of bolts anchored in the concrete was visible on some photos. At least 8 massive bolts for each foot.

[1]

Decided to 'borrow' one of the lab cameras and take an extended lunch today. Legs definitely appear bolted to the ground. Couldn't see any other obvious (to me, anyway) modifications to improve rigidity. Lots of chalk markings on them though. And, of course, another scorched core was parked on the street. Probably going to Elon's back yard.

[IainMcClatchie]

Looks like they've added some wiring from the pad to the foot and from the leg to the prop tank.  Is that for lighting at night?

[envy887]

The "scorched core on the street" is from the Thaicom 8 launch:

http://www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_1270_1c_SpaceX-Thaicom-8_Ken-Kremer.jpg

[CameronD]

Decided to 'borrow' one of the lab cameras and take an extended lunch today. Legs definitely appear bolted to the ground. Couldn't see any other obvious (to me, anyway) modifications to improve rigidity. Lots of chalk markings on them though. And, of course, another scorched core was parked on the street. Probably going to Elon's back yard.

Cool photos - thanks for posting them in high-res.

Since aerospace-grade carbon fibre is not UV resistant and will fail if exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time, I wonder how they plan to protect the stage (and particularly the legs) from the elements?  The usual thing is copious amounts of white paint, which would be a shame since it would certainly cover a lot of the interesting bits also.

[1]

Looks like they've added some wiring from the pad to the foot and from the leg to the prop tank.  Is that for lighting at night?

The stage definitely has one of those blinky red 'please-don't-fly-an-airplane-into-me' lights that I've seen on at night. Can't say if those particular wires power it or do something else.

The "scorched core on the street" is from the Thaicom 8 launch:

http://www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_1270_1c_SpaceX-Thaicom-8_Ken-Kremer.jpg

Thanks, I was going to try to look into that later on today, but I think you've saved me the trouble.

[okan170]

Something about those legs being bright-white just seems... wrong!   

Pretty neat that along a stretch of highway between LAX and downtown LA, you'll pass the Falcon 9 at SpaceX as well as Endeavour at the science center!  (Hopefully soon to be upright as well)

[sfxtd]

Looks like they've added some wiring from the pad to the foot and from the leg to the prop tank.  Is that for lighting at night?

It is an interesting "GSE" bundle. I am guessing that in addition to the marker light power cable there are tank pressurant and pressure sensor lines.

[IainMcClatchie]

They are going to leave the thing pressurized all the time??

The more I think about this, the more it seems it just can't last.

I suppose the Saturn Vs have lasted until now, so it works somehow.

[CameronD]

They are going to leave the thing pressurized all the time??

The more I think about this, the more it seems it just can't last.

I suppose the Saturn Vs have lasted until now, so it works somehow.

Well, in my experience, white paint covers a multitude of sins...

[Jcc]

Looks like they've added some wiring from the pad to the foot and from the leg to the prop tank.  Is that for lighting at night?

Maybe they have it grounded to protect against lightning strikes.

[StuffOfInterest]

Looks like they've added some wiring from the pad to the foot and from the leg to the prop tank.  Is that for lighting at night?

It is an interesting "GSE" bundle. I am guessing that in addition to the marker light power cable there are tank pressurant and pressure sensor lines.

If I was putting up the tallest tower in the neighborhood I'd take advantage of the elevation.  Perhaps a few cameras to monitor the facility and surrounding neighborhood.  Being that the interstage is carbon fiber you could probably put a directional antenna up there if they want a data link to one of their other facilities in the area without any unsightly structures being visible.

[Zed_Noir]

Maybe they can put some cellphone transponders behind the interstage fairing.

[shooter6947]

Maybe they have it grounded to protect against lightning strikes.

LA never gets thunderstorms, so this seems unlikely.

[b ramsey]

Cool pics. The thing that I noticed in those close ups is the which appears to be a rubber type gasket that runs all around the inside of the landing leg that must seal against the rocket stage when it is folded up. I guess that is to protect the landing strut during launch.

[mme]

Maybe they have it grounded to protect against lightning strikes.

LA never gets thunderstorms, so this seems unlikely.

I grew up in LA, I assure you LA gets lightening.

http://www.asa100.com/stock-photography/stock_photography004

Apologies if that was just a joke but people actually believe that.  Even some transplants that haven't seen it themselves.  Yet.

[CameronD]

Maybe they have it grounded to protect against lightning strikes.

LA never gets thunderstorms, so this seems unlikely.

I grew up in LA, I assure you LA gets lightening.

Lightning earthing cables would be a lot fatter than that and, if fitted, certainly would not run up the center of the leg. I see no evidence from the pics posted here that the stage is conventionally lightning-protected and, since it appears to be higher then the building adjacent, it probably should be since them "blinky red 'please-don't-fly-an-airplane-into-me' lights" (to quote a previous poster) do a great job attracting the stuff..

Two possibilities exist, either:
1. The stage is constructed from conductive metal/carbon-fibre and is thus considered by the gurus at SpX to be inherently self-protecting via the bolts into the concrete, or
2. They haven't got around to it yet.
 

[matthewkantar]

I am in LA today for work and was able to stop by 1 Rocket Road in Hawthorne. I was dizzy with the tarped stage on the street and the new Falcon9 display. They really threw down for the static display, casting new concrete pad and wall around it. Looks like they are installing a glass wall around it next. They painted a SoaceX 'X' on the concrete under, just like at LZ-1and I he ASDSes. I was able to walk right up to the stage and inspect it. The tarp was torn in several spots. Many impressions, but one is how much cork insulation they use. You would think in 2016 they could come up with a better material than tree bark.

[tleski]

Aerial photos tweeted by Garrett Reisman:

astro_g_dogg: Got some good shots of our historic first recovered @SpaceX #Falcon9 booster when I flew home from work today. https://t.co/tkhypGYjcY

[CameronD]

Aerial photos tweeted by Garrett Reisman:

astro_g_dogg: Got some good shots of our historic first recovered @SpaceX #Falcon9 booster when I flew home from work today. https://t.co/tkhypGYjcY

I can see why they'd need to light it at night! 

Perhaps it'll become an aviation nav guidemark - after they update the charts to show it? It looks like it's the highest thing for miles around.
 

[TheFallen]

Stopped by Hawthorne today to check out the two Falcon 9 boosters in person!

[king1999]

Stopped by Hawthorne today to check out the two Falcon 9 boosters in person!

What is in the last two pictures? The cover of one end seems to be totally torn!

[TheFallen]

Stopped by Hawthorne today to check out the two Falcon 9 boosters in person!

What is in the last two pictures? The cover of one end seems to be totally torn!

I have no clue. I thought this booster was a brand new one that was gonna be shipped off to Florida or Vandenberg or something, but a post at the top of this page states that this is another flown booster. Could be the damaged JCSAT-14 core that will be studied by engineers. Don't hold me to that

[matthewkantar]

What is in the last two pictures? The cover of one end seems to be totally torn!

The tarp was torn on both ends, revealing a lot. The engines were removed and you could walk right up to the stage from the street side and look into the octoweb. After being there for five minutes or so, guard asked that we not take pictures.

Matthew

[envy887]

Stopped by Hawthorne today to check out the two Falcon 9 boosters in person!

What is in the last two pictures? The cover of one end seems to be totally torn!

I have no clue. I thought this booster was a brand new one that was gonna be shipped off to Florida or Vandenberg or something, but a post at the top of this page states that this is another flown booster. Could be the damaged JCSAT-14 core that will be studied by engineers. Don't hold me to that

Look further up the thread, there are more pictures of it. It's the used Thaicomm-8 stage.

[Archibald]

Great pictures, thanks to all of you lucky guys that live in L.A

They should upgrade that road sign "do not stop on tracks TO WATCH THE ROCKET"   

More seriously, some years ago Dassault put a prototype Rafale in front of its St Cloud headquarters near Paris, but they had to remove the thing as cars regularly piled up (because of distracted drivers).
Hopefully people won't stop on the railroad tracks to watch the rocket and end like Marty McFly (unfortunate) Delorean

[Helodriver]

Since I flew into LAX on the way back from the IAC in Mexico it was the perfect opportunity to swing by Hawthorne  to see what's going on.  Booster display appears complete with a glass wall now surrounding the perimeter in place of the construction fence.

[Johnnyhinbos]

Can't wait for the first ITS booster to be set up beside it

[jim6398]

And it's well lit at night, so don't skip a visit just because it's dark out.

[ScaryDare]

I claim the right of useless post.  Normally posting McGregor photos in L2, I last saw the Orbcomm-2 booster from over a mile away (Sept 9 2015 see below).  Vacation last week shows the S1 being repainted on Oct 22.  The surrounding glass wall and legs were mostly covered in plastic and they were painting the legs with a roller.  It's hard to describe but the stage is both larger and smaller than expected but still very impressive.

See L2 in a day or two for new McGregor photos.

Gary

[pospa]

Drone sneak peek inside the interstage. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/BRwgf8bgGWV/

Interesting they left so much equipment still there and didn't cover it from the top against water or birds...

(Chris Edit: This seems very naughty of the person on Instagram. I've removed the screenshot as the video may go down. In other words, we're not hosting any of this)

Pospa Edit: I agree and respect. Just, it was interesting from technical point of view, so I wanted to share it.
To make it clear, I'm not the author of that video, nor do I know that person.

[WBY1984]

One could speculate on the effects of air recirculation on a drone within the confines of an interstage. Pity it didn't happen, really: The dude deserves to lose his drone for pulling a stupid stunt like that.

[pb2000]

Wow, that's less than 150M from the foot of an active runway, never mind possibly running afoul of ITAR; completely reckless.

[envy887]

Wow, that's less than 150M from the foot of an active runway, never mind possibly running afoul of ITAR; completely reckless.

Well, it's rather unlikely that the drone would be the immediate cause of any aircraft crash. Anything that hit the drone would have much bigger problems with the giant rocket booster immediately next to it.

[IanThePineapple]

Wow, that's less than 150M from the foot of an active runway, never mind possibly running afoul of ITAR; completely reckless.

Well, it's rather unlikely that the drone would be the immediate cause of any aircraft crash. Anything that hit the drone would have much bigger problems with the giant rocket booster immediately next to it.

If the person lost control of the drone, like if a glitch or a large gust of wind occurred, and it started moving towards the airport (Unlikely, but still very possible), there could be serious issues. It was a stupid idea IMO.

[JAFO]

[thread drift]

Wow, that's less than 150M from the foot of an active runway, never mind possibly running afoul of ITAR; completely reckless.

Well, it's rather unlikely that the drone would be the immediate cause of any aircraft crash. Anything that hit the drone would have much bigger problems with the giant rocket booster immediately next to it.

If the person lost control of the drone, like if a glitch or a large gust of wind occurred, and it started moving towards the airport (Unlikely, but still very possible), there could be serious issues. It was a stupid idea IMO.

I fly a 500,000# airliner in/out of LAX on a regualr basis and have been flying rc airplanes off/on since 1978. If the guy is dumb/reckless enough to go booster-peeping, he's probably dumb/reckless enough to be up in my airspace trying to get a cool video of my airliner on approach like this clown did in Vegas.







Even a 2# drone in the wrong spot could make me have a real bad day at the office.


[/thread drift, apologies, Mods.]