Methane Tank joins the frosty party. Booster 9 progressing well through this proof test.nsf.live/starbase
Booster 9 was cryo proof tested, new nosecones were spotted in and around Tent 3, and work on the Orbital Tank Farm berm extension continued.Video from Nic (@NicAnsuini) and Starbase Live for @NASASpaceflight.➡️
Merry Christmas everybody! Many people have been wondering what exactly is new with Superheavy Booster 9, and while many of the revisions are understood, there are some details that haven't been covered yet. Let's take a look! (1/12)
The biggest change that has been noticed by the community was the removal of the Hydraulic Power Units on the side of the vehicle, which were used to power the Thrust Vector Control (gimbaling) system. On B9, electric TVC is now used. (2/12)
Hardware has been added to the thrust dome, which we believe is related to the electric TVC system, such as these black boxes. There appears to be one for each gimballing engine. (3/12)
Interestingly the large Liquid Methane pipe for the gimballing Raptor engines are also now pre-mounted on the thrust puck. This should simplify the pre-assembly needed on the engines, and may speed up installation. (4/12)
Various pieces of hardware were rearranged under the chines as well. This may be because of new hardware added underneath, or maybe just a smarter method of installing these pieces. Starlink dishes have also been added to the tops. (5/12)
With the large chines on B9 now supporting more hardware, such as batteries, they have been lengthened just a little bit. On B7 and 8, all 4 chines were the same height. On B9, you can see this is not the case. (6/12)
Booster 9 uses a revised thrust puck design compared to B7 and 8. In this photo, compare the highlighted areas. More metal is milled down, reducing the weight of the puck. But, you might notice how B9 has not gone through thrust sim testing. (7/12)
Test Tank B7.1 actually used this revised thrust puck, and it went through thrust ram testing. This means that the puck has already been verified and does not need additional testing in the Can Crusher stand. (8/12)
New bracing has also been added on the forward dome of Booster 9. These 4 pairs of lines are not present on the older vehicles. (9/12)
Various vents have also been modified. The LOX ullage vents now have a revised "cowbell" diverter over them, and the CH4 tank vents have been having various plates installed over them, changing the shape of the vent. (10/12)
Booster 9's grid fins also now have additional plates on the exterior faces, possibly adding strength against warping. As of now, these are not on Booster 7's grid fins. (11/12)
That's just a quick overview of what has been updated on this next-generation Superheavy Booster. But there are always more things that are unknown. (12/12)Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, from the RingWatchers Team.
Proof testing of Booster 9 is underway at Starbase.nsf.live/starbase
Now it's the Methane Tank's turn:nsf.live/starbase
It's time...Ship 25's payload door cover has been moved to the Highbay. Sealing is likely imminent.Spotted by @mouser58907📸 @LabPadre
We knew it was just a matter of time when S25 payload door gets covered and welded over. Today's that day. Thanks to @RingWatchers for cluing me in.#Starbase #Starship #SpaceX 📸 Me for WAI Media @FelixSchlang
Ship 25's payload door cover has been lifted into place.Over the coming days, crews will weld this into place over the hull of the Ship.🎥 @LabPadre
25 - Image Taken: January 3, 2023 -
Likely Booster 9 rolling back tomorrow. But now, fullstack!
TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT ROAD DELAY OF A PORTION OF STATE HIGHWAY 4: As per County Judge Eddie Trevino: Please be advised that on January 10, 2023, SpaceX will be conducting transportation operations on Highway 4 near Boca Chica Beach.
Last evening Ship 24's transport stand has been moved away from the Tower and both SPMTs which transported Booster 7 were relocated to Booster 9. 📷:@LabPadre
Two SPMTs are now under Booster 9 fully loaded with coutnerweights in preparation for its rollback to the Build Site.📷:@LabPadre
Booster 9's seen Booster 7's engines and decided it wasn't some too. Rolling back to the Production Site,nsf.live/starbase
Nearly back at the barn.
S25 has moved in high bay - possible rollout?
