Almost all large commercial satellites made in North America and launched from the Cape or Vandenberg go by truck, even before the current situation in Ukraine.
Follow up question: Other than Shuttle/SLS SRB segments, is American spaceflight hardware ever shipped by train?
I don't know, but here are some factors:
Is the launch site rail-served?
I see a rail network at KFC (KSC, thanks, Jim) & Vandenberg, but not Wallops (nor Boca Chica). No idea what shape those networks are in.
Loading gauge:
Dimensions for "oversize load" on highways are likely much more generous than the non-negotiable limits imposed by double-track clearance, tunnels, bridges & overpasses.
Custom cars:
I was actually surprised the first time I saw a Vestas 'bladerunner' train go by. It's not an easy thing to certify a new railcar design for use on the national network. Boeing does ship some airliner fuselages by rail.
Carrier cooperation:
The major railroads prefer regularly-scheduled unit-trains (not mixed freight), and probably don't give priority to one-time shipments.
That said, anything that fits in a 40ft hi-cube probably already does travel by rail to some point near the launch site.
No. Most requirements ban it.
I don't know, but here are some factors:
Is the launch site rail-served?
I see a rail network at KFC & Vandenberg, but not Wallops (nor Boca Chica). No idea what shape those networks are in.
Don’t know what Kentucky Fried Chicken uses for transport
I don't know, but here are some factors:
1.Is the launch site rail-served?
I see a rail network at KFC & Vandenberg, but not Wallops (nor Boca Chica). No idea what shape those networks are in.
2. Loading gauge:
Dimensions for "oversize load" on highways are likely much more generous than the non-negotiable limits imposed by double-track clearance, tunnels, bridges & overpasses.
3.Custom cars:
I was actually surprised the first time I saw a Vestas 'bladerunner' train go by. It's not an easy thing to certify a new railcar design for use on the national network. Boeing does ship some airliner fuselages by rail.
Carrier cooperation:
The major railroads prefer regularly-scheduled unit-trains (not mixed freight), and probably don't give priority to one-time shipments.
4.That said, anything that fits in a 40ft hi-cube probably already does travel by rail to some point near the launch site.
1. Only for SRB segments.
2. Most spacecraft containers would not fit in a train.
3. They don’t exist for spacecraftsling
4. Not used. They use semi trailers.
Had to buy 40 ft container sling in 2019 for Solar Orbiter project.