Author Topic: Falcon Boosters on Display (Read 19965 times)

Comga · « **on:** 10/05/2023 08:15 pm »

The installation of a Falcon 9 booster across a bike path in Littleton, Colorado prompts this thread for that and other public displays of Falcon 9 boosters.
There is the first one in Hawthorne.
There is another on display at Space Center Houston.
One is at the KSC Visitor Center inside the new Gateway building. (Thanks, ChrisC!)

The booster will be near the South Platte River in western metropolitan Denver, Colorado.
This is an announcement of the Little Creek Trail closure while they install the booster.

Quote

A closure is in place for Littles Creek Trail to install a 146-foot SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster. The rocket will be displayed horizontally on two pylons ten feet off the ground, straddling the Littles Creek Trail near its junction with the Mary Carter Greenway.

(Actually, it's three pylons. Thanks, Stan!)

It says the closure is "through October" so it could be installed soon.

For now, maybe until after the unveiling in a few weeks, can we keep this thread to posts about this booster?
(In particular, can we determing which booster this is before the signs are unveiled?)
After, people could post photos from visits to any of the booster displays.

We should also have a meet-up once the booster display is open.
Maybe Jon, Kliph, Stan-1967, and I, and any other NSF locals, can find a time to get together there.

Comga · « **Reply #1 on:** 10/05/2023 08:39 pm »

Some maps of the display
edit: The illustrated location of the booster is a guess.
Anyone who has been there and seen the pylons knows it with more accuracy.

AS-503 · « **Reply #2 on:** 10/05/2023 08:45 pm »

Wow, I live within bike riding distance from here.
I am also an engineer in the Space division of a company that rhymes with Mockheed Lartin.
Would participate in a meetup for sure.

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #3 on:** 10/05/2023 08:53 pm »

https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=59357.msg2529264#msg2529264

re-posting here from the initial L2 post.
====================================

I stopped by the spot where the SpaceX booster is planned to be put on display in Littleton CO. I took a bunch of photos that will be posted, and noted how easy this will be to access once it is in place. The site can be accessed via the bike trail, the light rail stop, or by parking anywhere in the west end of downtown Littleton and just taking a quick walk.

I started off by grabbing some coffee at DIRT coffee, as you will see in the photo, their lattes & pastries are larger than humans, so this is a good way to start the day. Then you simply walk down to the DISH parking lot via the bike trail that is 20-30 meters south from the font door of DIRT. That ended up as a dead end in the parking lot of DISH, and the construction zone kept me around 100m away from the support structures, so I went home and grabbed my bike and had better access on the trail side. A couple of notes & questions.

1.*** I think this will be the the only F9 booster on public display other than the one in Hawthorne. I don't know the Rocket Garden in FL will get their booster. I was there a year ago and think they were prepping for it. Is that one complete or close to complete?

2. The booster will be laid out pointed to the Northwest ( heading of 320 degrees)

3. The 3 pylons have some gap at the base that makes me speculate that the booster will be positioned with the downcomer at the underside

*** my inaccurate info on other F9 static displays at KSC & Houston have been corrected & posted after I wrote this.

Jakusb · « **Reply #4 on:** 10/05/2023 09:13 pm »

This is the one in Houston.

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #5 on:** 10/05/2023 09:26 pm »

looks like the notch at the base of the ring support furthest away in your frame is for the landing leg, not the downcomer as I had speculated for the Littleton equivalents.

jongoff · « **Reply #6 on:** 10/05/2023 09:53 pm »

I live up on the north end of Denver, but I definitely plan on taking my boys down to see this once it's installed. I've been to the Hawthorne facility probably a half dozen times since they put a booster on display there, but I don't know if any of my boys have seen one up close.

~Jon

rockets4life97 · « **Reply #7 on:** 10/05/2023 10:08 pm »

Does anybody have any info on the group/organization behind to CO installation? Is there a CO SpaceX connection I am not aware of? I of course know the other aerospace companies in the area.

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #8 on:** 10/06/2023 12:19 am »

Quote from: rockets4life97 on 10/05/2023 10:08 pm

Does anybody have any info on the group/organization behind to CO installation? Is there a CO SpaceX connection I am not aware of? I of course know the other aerospace companies in the area.

It was supported by the Telluray Foundation.

https://www.idealist.org/en/amp/nonprofit/2c9c13e993cc4528983161f90ab88b7e-telluray-foundation-littleton

flyright · « **Reply #9 on:** 10/07/2023 08:25 pm »

DISH originally proposed the idea and it will be on DISH property.

According to an article in the "Littleton Independent":

"The Telluray Foundation is providing a $2.4-million grant to complete the project, but DISH will be responsible for upkeep and maintenance costs after the initial assembly is complete."

https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2023/07/19/littleton-to-host-spacex-rocket-booster-exhibit/

I live about 10 miles away and hadn't heard of this until seeing Stan-1967's posts. Thanks Stan!

Can't wait to see it.

Rockefela · « **Reply #10 on:** 10/10/2023 03:58 pm »

Does anyone know where we can find out when the booster will start final installation so some of us locals can go an watch?

Comga · « **Reply #11 on:** 10/22/2023 05:05 am »

Here is another article on the Falcon 9 first stage display in Littleton.
It comes with more pictures of the booster display in Houston.
It said, when it was written in July, that the booster was supposed to be delivered in September, but that does not seem to have happened.

Are any of us are keeping an eye on the location?

Nomadd · « **Reply #12 on:** 10/22/2023 05:31 am »

Is F1-6 in Hawthorne?

catdlr · « **Reply #13 on:** 10/22/2023 05:56 am »

Quote from: Nomadd on 10/22/2023 05:31 am

Is F1-6 in Hawthorne?

I've never seen it (at least outside).

Zed_Noir · « **Reply #14 on:** 10/22/2023 08:08 am »

Quote from: catdlr on 10/22/2023 05:56 am

Quote from: Nomadd on 10/22/2023 05:31 am
Is F1-6 in Hawthorne?

I've never seen it (at least outside).

Think they will take F1-6 out of storage and trucked it to whatever event that needs a reminder how far SpaceX has progress. It is a good mobile display.

Comga · « **Reply #15 on:** 10/24/2023 12:24 am »

Reddit has another image of the pedastal construction posted October 10.
It looks nowhere near complete.
Quite a mess in fact.

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #16 on:** 10/24/2023 12:32 am »

Quote from: Comga on 10/24/2023 12:24 am

Reddit has another image of the pedastal construction posted October 10.
It looks nowhere near complete.
Quite a mess in fact.

I saw that excavation as well. It looked like they were building containment pathways for capturing runoff from the parking lot, or the boosters when they are mounted.

I have a neighbor who is a Dishnet executive, i was hoping to ask him if Dish will share the plans for when the booster will arrive

Timmers89 · « **Reply #17 on:** 10/25/2023 05:37 pm »

In order to facilitate effective, long term placement of the booster system, the following procedures will be followed (per manufacturer recommendation):

Cleaning:

Pressure washing Booster is acceptable. We are able to use either Simple Green or Power Foam as soaps. We must alway make sure to rinse the soaps off when we are finished cleaning.

Sealing the Booster:

All openings will be sealed with RTV or a sealer called 7076 so that it is not accessible to the public.

Paint:

SpaceX recommendations for paint are PSX700 (this is the same paint used on the wind generators)
We can also use any high end household paint if the first is deemed too expensive.

Expose Cork maintenance:

On the back end of the Booster it is possible for the cork to begin to come loose. In this case we will need to use Bondo to fill the hole and then seal it with paint if we so choose or leave it bare Bondo.

Anti Graffiti:

It is SpaceX's opinion that this is unnecessary. If we choose to move forward with this they recommend using UV resistant Kills in either an eggshell or flat shean. They did note that this too will yellow over time and change the appearance of the Booster.

Corrosion:

There is no concern of any future corrosion happening on the Booster as it will be sitting on plastic runners that are sloped toward the bottom to allow moisture to run off. Along with the fact we are not using nylon tie downs in this application that caused the growth in Florida.
They also noted in the slight chance we see any visible corrosion to contact them and they will support with a mitigation plan.

Tail End of Booster:

SpaceX recommends any work done on the tail section of the Booster be done in a Tyvek suit, gloves, and a respirator.
Inspect that the sealant is still intact around the covers that block the hardware attaching the landing legs to the Booster.
If repairs are needed use RVT to reseal.

deltaV · « **Reply #18 on:** 10/26/2023 10:11 pm »

Quote from: Timmers89 on 10/25/2023 05:37 pm

SpaceX recommendations for paint are PSX700 (this is the same paint used on the wind generators)
We can also use any high end household paint if the first is deemed too expensive.

PSX700 paint is ~$260 per gallon! That's not very expensive by aerospace standards but I can see why someone might prefer a cheaper paint for a display booster.

jjyach · « **Reply #19 on:** 10/28/2023 04:40 pm »

At least 2 legs have arrived

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #20 on:** 10/28/2023 04:45 pm »

Quote from: jjyach on 10/28/2023 04:40 pm

At least 2 legs have arrived

Do you know which booster are they getting?

jjyach · « **Reply #21 on:** 10/28/2023 05:21 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/28/2023 04:45 pm

Quote from: jjyach on 10/28/2023 04:40 pm
At least 2 legs have arrived

Do you know which booster are they getting?

I do not. There was a delivery coming still after I left

Comga · « **Reply #22 on:** 10/28/2023 08:11 pm »

Quote from: jjyach on 10/28/2023 04:40 pm

At least 2 legs have arrived

It seems unlikely that they would send 2 ( or 4) legs far ahead of the booster
And they have tents set up
Looks like the booster could be coming soon 🤞🏼

spacenuance · « **Reply #23 on:** 10/29/2023 12:52 am »

This looks like the booster on its way. The route it is taking across the US lines up with this.

Quote

Here's something you don't see every day -- a SpaceX rocket on the roadway! This was being transported through Centennial and Sgt. Dasso, who was working patrol, captured video of it as it was travelling northbound on S. University Blvd.

The 190 ft. rocket was so big, workers had to get out and manually steer the rear axle so it could pivot to make the turns. They even had to lift the streetlight cables at one one point so it could pass through.

Five of our patrol units escorted the rocket through our area then other agencies took over as it travelled through theirs. It was quite the site to see!

https://twitter.com/ArapahoeSO/status/1718403127374762459?s=20

Edit: The account of Littleton, Colorado confirms it. https://x.com/CityofLittleton/status/1718421004802732098?s=20

Quote

Talk about an oversized load! This SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster is headed to the dish Network building at Bowles and Santa Fe in Littleton, where it will go on permanent display beside the Mary Carter Greenway! Keep a lookout for updates on this out-of-this-world project!

Comga · « **Reply #24 on:** 10/29/2023 01:57 am »

For those not from the area, this is all south Denver. In the video, the curve in the road on S University is probably deKoevend Park, which is about five miles from the display location.
The booster has arrived

and on our worst weather day in the past half year.

Zed_Noir · « **Reply #25 on:** 10/29/2023 01:16 am »

Quote from: Comga on 10/29/2023 01:57 am

<snip>
and on our worst weather day in the past half year.

Is it sking weather already?

Comga · « **Reply #26 on:** 10/29/2023 01:32 am »

Quote from: Zed_Noir on 10/29/2023 01:16 am

Quote from: Comga on 10/29/2023 01:57 am
<snip>
and on our worst weather day in the past half year.
Is it sking weather already?

Tomorrow!

edit: worst weather for driving in town = snow up high!

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #27 on:** 10/29/2023 02:29 pm »

Its here at the site! Workers are preparing to lift it.

DanClemmensen · « **Reply #28 on:** 10/29/2023 02:32 pm »

Are the enthusiasts who work to get these display projects approved and started called "booster boosters"?

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #29 on:** 10/29/2023 02:33 pm »

More

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #30 on:** 10/29/2023 02:54 pm »

It’s frikking cold out here

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #31 on:** 10/29/2023 02:56 pm »

Front harness is attached

alugobi · « **Reply #32 on:** 10/29/2023 03:04 pm »

Try to get a pic of the booster number.

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #33 on:** 10/29/2023 03:23 pm »

Quote from: alugobi on 10/29/2023 03:04 pm

Try to get a pic of the booster number.

Where on the booster is that? Im warming up back at my apartment right now. Fingertips were numb. 😀

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #34 on:** 10/29/2023 03:27 pm »

Quote from: Stan-1967 on 10/29/2023 03:23 pm

Quote from: alugobi on 10/29/2023 03:04 pm
Try to get a pic of the booster number.

Where on the booster is that? Im warming up back at my apartment right now. Fingertips were numb. 😀

For Block 3/4 boosters like this one there should be large numbers at the tail end of the booster, such as in these pictures of B1021 (one unlikely candidate for this one since AFAIK it's been reserved for the CCSFS museum).

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #35 on:** 10/29/2023 03:33 pm »

Going back to posts 15 & 16, all the excavation around the pedastals is now filled in and more or less level with the DishNet parking lot. A concrete retaining wall is in place to keep the area under the booster stable, as the general slope of the surroundings is towards the river

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #36 on:** 10/29/2023 03:52 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/29/2023 03:27 pm

For Block 3/4 boosters like this one there should be large numbers at the tail end of the booster, such as in these pictures of B1021 (one unlikely candidate for this one since AFAIK it's been reserved for the CCSFS museum).

My view was limited to the side of the booster visible from the bike trail. I looked through all my photos of the rear engine section & could not see any numbers. The view of the tank section was limited by snow & ground equipment. The thrust puck was pretty open, and I think the numbering is on the tankage, not the thrust puck/octaweb?

Gonna have to to look at the other side, & underneath to find it. That perspective is not available until they open up the area to the public.

IntegrationGame · « **Reply #37 on:** 10/29/2023 05:15 pm »

Quote from: Stan-1967 on 10/29/2023 03:52 pm

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/29/2023 03:27 pm

For Block 3/4 boosters like this one there should be large numbers at the tail end of the booster, such as in these pictures of B1021 (one unlikely candidate for this one since AFAIK it's been reserved for the CCSFS museum).

My view was limited to the side of the booster visible from the bike trail. I looked through all my photos of the rear engine section & could not see any numbers. The view of the tank section was limited by snow & ground equipment. The thrust puck was pretty open, and I think the numbering is on the tankage, not the thrust puck/octaweb?

Gonna have to to look at the other side, & underneath to find it. That perspective is not available until they open up the area to the public.

I went through and compared the soot patterns of all the block 1.2 (FT) falcons on their last flight, i'm pretty sure this is B1022, which launched JCSAT-14

(original image of the booster that I used can be found at; https://www.universetoday.com/tag/jcsat-14/)

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #38 on:** 10/29/2023 05:42 pm »

See if these two pics help with identifiable soot patterns

Rockefela · « **Reply #39 on:** 10/29/2023 08:15 pm »

Booster is up in the air, we were in site for an hour and the booster never moved. Few drones flying around getting promotional video.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #40 on:** 10/29/2023 09:03 pm »

https://twitter.com/jswartzphoto/status/1718734009222529257

Quote

The newest SpaceX F9 booster to go on public display arrived at its new home next to Dish Network’s corporate offices in Littleton, Colorado. Still not sure which booster this is. B1042, B1029 or B1021 are all possibilities so hope to find out shortly! @NASASpaceflight

Rockefela · « **Reply #41 on:** 10/29/2023 09:16 pm »

Quote from: IntegrationGame on 10/29/2023 05:15 pm

Quote from: Stan-1967 on 10/29/2023 03:52 pm
Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/29/2023 03:27 pm

For Block 3/4 boosters like this one there should be large numbers at the tail end of the booster, such as in these pictures of B1021 (one unlikely candidate for this one since AFAIK it's been reserved for the CCSFS museum).

My view was limited to the side of the booster visible from the bike trail. I looked through all my photos of the rear engine section & could not see any numbers. The view of the tank section was limited by snow & ground equipment. The thrust puck was pretty open, and I think the numbering is on the tankage, not the thrust puck/octaweb?

Gonna have to to look at the other side, & underneath to find it. That perspective is not available until they open up the area to the public.

I went through and compared the soot patterns of all the block 1.2 (FT) falcons on their last flight, i'm pretty sure this is B1022, which launched JCSAT-14

(original image of the booster that I used can be found at; https://www.universetoday.com/tag/jcsat-14/)

Someone reached out to me and confirmed it is booster B1022. Great sleuthing!!

Alexphysics · « **Reply #42 on:** 10/30/2023 02:39 am »

B1021 according to Jon Edwards.

https://twitter.com/edwards345/status/1718813738504183859

B1022 was scrapped several years ago, those with L2 I'd recommend checking L2's McGregor thread for aerial shots of the "booster cemetery".

B1021 had been stored outside of SLC-40 after being inside one of the Cape hangars for years. Most recently seen inside 39A's HIF during Falcon Heavy intergration for Psyche. Now on display

https://twitter.com/alexphysics13/status/1707822303294140888

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #43 on:** 10/30/2023 05:14 am »

twitter.com/jswartzphoto/status/1718813919131615264

Quote

Few more higher res of the all business end

https://twitter.com/sixstringsimple/status/1718851078945423457

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #44 on:** 10/30/2023 07:28 am »

Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/30/2023 05:14 am

twitter.com/jswartzphoto/status/1718813919131615264

Quote
Few more higher res of the all business end

https://twitter.com/sixstringsimple/status/1718851078945423457

As it turns out, the number “21” is actually faintly visible on the booster in the tweeted pictures above AND in Stan-1967’s pictures, it’s just that it’s so faded that you’ll have to know where to find them!

(3rd picture from SES-10 launch)

Timmers89 · « **Reply #45 on:** 10/30/2023 12:50 pm »

Falcon 9 B1021 was the first booster to be re-flown and the first to land on a droneship. It was first launched on 8 April 2016 carrying a Dragon spacecraft and Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) on the SpaceX CRS-8 mission and landed on an autonomous spaceport drone ship (ASDS). After recovery, inspections and refurbishing, it was launched again on 30 March 2017 for the SES-10 mission and recovered successfully a second time. This event marks a milestone in SpaceX's drive to develop reusable rockets and reduce launch costs.[27][236][237][238][239] Following the second flight, SpaceX stated that they plan to retire this booster and donate it to Cape Canaveral for public display.[240][241] It was later put on public display outside Dish Network's headquarters in Littleton, Colorado in October 2023.[242]

alugobi · « **Reply #46 on:** 10/30/2023 03:00 pm »

^^^That's the Wiki account for this booster.

Give credit to your sources.

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #47 on:** 10/30/2023 11:54 pm »

So I stopped by the rocket display after work and was surprised it was not yet mounted on the display pillars.

Workers were busy caulking & weatherproofing the booster. They can also rotate it while the weatherproofing is done. Grid fins have been installed on the interstage, & they look very melty, so probably early generation aluminum . The legs are still not attached.

Am I correct that the shiny-smooth Merlin nozzles are the 1-C model (electroformed) not explosively formed like the.current 1-D’s?

Shout out to user “Rockefela” who I met at the display this evening. Not a lot of people at the display on purpose tonight. Just two rocket enthusiasts and a few bikers passing by.

Rockefela · « **Reply #48 on:** 10/31/2023 12:39 am »

@Stan-1967, it was great meeting and chatting with you this evening!

It’s going to be fun in the near future to stand around the booster and bumping into fellow space enthusiasts.

Hmmmm the person who reached out to me with distinct knowledge of the booster said it was B1022 and had the credentials to back it up. Sadly due to the sensitivity around SpaceX and private info they don’t want to be identified. They mentioned the booster had been hanging in a warehouse near SLC-40 since its last launch for the last 6-7yrs.

Here are some photos from tonight a bit after Stan’s as workers continued to prep the booster for display.

Rockefela · « **Reply #49 on:** 10/31/2023 12:41 am »

Few more pics

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #50 on:** 10/31/2023 12:48 am »

Quote from: Rockefela on 10/31/2023 12:39 am

@Stan-1967, it was great meeting and chatting with you this evening!

It’s going to be fun in the near future to stand around the booster and bumping into fellow space enthusiasts.

Hmmmm the person who reached out to me with distinct knowledge of the booster said it was B1022 and had the credentials to back it up. Sadly due to the sensitivity around SpaceX and private info they don’t want to be identified. They mentioned the booster had been hanging in a warehouse near SLC-40 since its last launch for the last 6-7yrs.

Here are some photos from tonight a bit after Stan’s as workers continued to prep the booster for display.

Then it's definitely 1021 and not 22 - the later went to McGregor Texas for proof-of-reuse test firings campaigns in 2016 shortly after doing the same at the Cape following its only launch. 21 was stored in various places around the Cape over the years (was in Hangar E during CCS(A)FS open day March 2020, then seen next to a warehouse on the NE corner of SLC-40 for several months in 2022). Plus the faded numbers seen in pictures above seals it.

https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1236360285759381508

Alexphysics · « **Reply #51 on:** 10/31/2023 01:09 am »

Yeah B1022 left straight to McGregor. Whoever told you that they keep confusing 21 with 22.

catdlr · « **Reply #52 on:** 10/31/2023 01:09 am »

The stage seems to be hidden in a park with many trees. Unfortunately, they decided to set it on its side, as it is much more impressive when it is standing upright as they have it in Hawthorn. When the stage is standing up, you can see it for miles around and better appreciate its size. Oh, well. But there is something to gain by seeing it on its side, like details that you can't see while tilting your head upwards.

Rockefela · « **Reply #53 on:** 10/31/2023 01:25 am »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/31/2023 12:48 am

Quote from: Rockefela on 10/31/2023 12:39 am
@Stan-1967, it was great meeting and chatting with you this evening!

It’s going to be fun in the near future to stand around the booster and bumping into fellow space enthusiasts.

Hmmmm the person who reached out to me with distinct knowledge of the booster said it was B1022 and had the credentials to back it up. Sadly due to the sensitivity around SpaceX and private info they don’t want to be identified. They mentioned the booster had been hanging in a warehouse near SLC-40 since its last launch for the last 6-7yrs.

Here are some photos from tonight a bit after Stan’s as workers continued to prep the booster for display.

Then it's definitely 1021 and not 22 - the later went to McGregor Texas for proof-of-reuse test firings campaigns in 2016 shortly after doing the same at the Cape following its only launch. 21 was stored in various places around the Cape over the years (was in Hangar E during CCS(A)FS open day March 2020, then seen next to a warehouse on the NE corner of SLC-40 for several months in 2022). Plus the faded numbers seen in pictures above seals it.

https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1236360285759381508

Good to know, re-watching B1021's launches now.....

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #54 on:** 10/31/2023 03:02 am »

Quote from: catdlr on 10/31/2023 01:09 am

The stage seems to be hidden in a park with many trees. Unfortunately, they decided to set it on its side, as it is much more impressive when it is standing upright as they have it in Hawthorn. When the stage is standing up, you can see it for miles around and better appreciate its size. Oh, well. But there is something to gain by seeing it on its side, like details that you can't see while tilting your head upwards.

The booster will be only partially obscured by trees from the bike trail side of site, especially if you are on the west side of the Platte river. All my pictures are taken from the east side, looking over the fence into the DishNet property. But trust me, there is no way anyone will miss this when riding/jogging/blading/walking by. It is enormous! It can also be easily be seen from SanteFe Drive when driving northbound or southbound.

I don't know for sure how DishNet will arrange the area underneath & around the booster, but prior to the area being shut off for site preparation, it was all very accessible to the public. The Dry Creek bike path looks to be going directly under the booster, so getting a good view is not going to be a problem.

I haven't seen the Hawthorne booster in person, but I would wager a beer or six that this booster is going to be way easier to get too for anyone in the Denver metro area vs. trying to get to Hawthorne on the 405 when visiting LA. (Someone beer bet me....please! ) Yes a vertical booster would be awesome, but I do think in this area it could be risky. There are no big buildings around to break the wind, this booster is sitting pretty exposed with the exception of the trees towards the river.

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #55 on:** 10/31/2023 03:38 am »

I was wanting to post my pictures of the ULA models of Atlas V & Vulcan that are in their Centennial Lobby as a taunt for them to step up their local community leadership game. But then that would be OT in the Falcon thread, and it would be wrong to hijack a SpaceX thread with ULA content. ( lols!!)

I don't think ULA has any spare Atlas cores, nor Vulcan cores. Maybe Tory has a spare BE-4 he's not using & could be put out for public display? We could start a new thread for that...

catdlr · « **Reply #56 on:** 10/31/2023 03:45 am »

Quote from: Stan-1967 on 10/31/2023 03:02 am

Quote from: catdlr on 10/31/2023 01:09 am
The stage seems to be hidden in a park with many trees. Unfortunately, they decided to set it on its side, as it is much more impressive when it is standing upright as they have it in Hawthorn. When the stage is standing up, you can see it for miles around and better appreciate its size. Oh, well. But there is something to gain by seeing it on its side, like details that you can't see while tilting your head upwards.

The booster will be only partially obscured by trees from the bike trail side of site, especially if you are on the west side of the Platte river. All my pictures are taken from the east side, looking over the fence into the DishNet property. But trust me, there is no way anyone will miss this when riding/jogging/blading/walking by. It is enormous! It can also be easily be seen from SanteFe Drive when driving northbound or southbound.

I don't know for sure how DishNet will arrange the area underneath & around the booster, but prior to the area being shut off for site preparation, it was all very accessible to the public. The Dry Creek bike path looks to be going directly under the booster, so getting a good view is not going to be a problem.

I haven't seen the Hawthorne booster in person, but I would wager a beer or six that this booster is going to be way easier to get too for anyone in the Denver metro area vs. trying to get to Hawthorne on the 405 when visiting LA. (Someone beer bet me....please! ) Yes a vertical booster would be awesome, but I do think in this area it could be risky. There are no big buildings around to break the wind, this booster is sitting pretty exposed with the exception of the trees towards the river.

The one at Hathworn is exposed but we don't have the high winds you guys have. You won on availability, public parking is non-existent. The best is the Lowe's parking about 1/4 north. When I take out-of-town visitors I usually drop them off at the corner and wait down the street until I get a sign to pick them up. It's mostly employee/contractor parking including the large structure across the street. Enjoy.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #57 on:** 10/31/2023 06:05 am »

Some video:

https://twitter.com/jswartzphoto/status/1719152673352458474

Quote

Grid fins and landing legs are going on B1021! Nozzle muffs coming off too!

catdlr · « **Reply #58 on:** 10/31/2023 06:25 am »

Quote from: catdlr on 10/31/2023 03:45 am

Quote from: Stan-1967 on 10/31/2023 03:02 am
Quote from: catdlr on 10/31/2023 01:09 am
The stage seems to be hidden in a park with many trees. Unfortunately, they decided to set it on its side, as it is much more impressive when it is standing upright as they have it in Hawthorn. When the stage is standing up, you can see it for miles around and better appreciate its size. Oh, well. But there is something to gain by seeing it on its side, like details that you can't see while tilting your head upwards.

The booster will be only partially obscured by trees from the bike trail side of site, especially if you are on the west side of the Platte river. All my pictures are taken from the east side, looking over the fence into the DishNet property. But trust me, there is no way anyone will miss this when riding/jogging/blading/walking by. It is enormous! It can also be easily be seen from SanteFe Drive when driving northbound or southbound.

I don't know for sure how DishNet will arrange the area underneath & around the booster, but prior to the area being shut off for site preparation, it was all very accessible to the public. The Dry Creek bike path looks to be going directly under the booster, so getting a good view is not going to be a problem.

I haven't seen the Hawthorne booster in person, but I would wager a beer or six that this booster is going to be way easier to get too for anyone in the Denver metro area vs. trying to get to Hawthorne on the 405 when visiting LA. (Someone beer bet me....please! ) Yes a vertical booster would be awesome, but I do think in this area it could be risky. There are no big buildings around to break the wind, this booster is sitting pretty exposed with the exception of the trees towards the river.

The one at Hathworn is exposed but we don't have the high winds you guys have. You won on availability, public parking is non-existent. The best is the Lowe's parking about 1/4 north. When I take out-of-town visitors I usually drop them off at the corner and wait down the street until I get a sign to pick them up. It's mostly employee/contractor parking including the large structure across the street. Enjoy.

Hopefully the Demver F9 won't end up like this when the Shuttle Endeavor was left out overnight.

jjyach · « **Reply #59 on:** 11/01/2023 07:23 pm »

She has her legs and is in the stands

jstrotha0975 · « **Reply #60 on:** 11/01/2023 07:28 pm »

Would love to see a booster and crew Dragon on display at the Smithsonian.

jjyach · « **Reply #61 on:** 11/01/2023 07:31 pm »

Few more

Alvis_the_Homs · « **Reply #62 on:** 11/13/2023 12:14 pm »

Quote from: jstrotha0975 on 11/01/2023 07:28 pm

Would love to see a booster and crew Dragon on display at the Smithsonian.

If it happens I think it would be best for the demo 2 booster and endeavour to be displayed together.

Zed_Noir · « **Reply #63 on:** 11/14/2023 03:15 am »

Quote from: Alvis_the_Homs on 11/13/2023 12:14 pm

Quote from: jstrotha0975 on 11/01/2023 07:28 pm
Would love to see a booster and crew Dragon on display at the Smithsonian.

If it happens I think it would be best for the demo 2 booster and endeavour to be displayed together.

Booster should be displayed vertically indoor in a building with the booster visible from the outside.

Me think that will have to wait until after booster B1058 done 42 flights. Roughly 3 more years at average launch rate of 8 per year.

Look up online, The Hitchhiker's to the Galaxy book for why 42.

edited to added: Darn, Booster B1058.19 was cut down in half on December 25th 2023 from rough sea conditions near port Cape Canaveral on transit back on droneship JRTI after sending 23 Starlink comsats to orbit.

Link to the mission thread with the SpaceX tweet announcing the demise of B1058 and followup posts.

Comga · « **Reply #64 on:** 03/17/2024 06:09 pm »

Four months later, lots of people have visited the booster and posted images available on Google Maps.
Check them out!

alugobi · « **Reply #65 on:** 03/17/2024 06:34 pm »

That blank slate is begging to be tagged.

gtae07 · « **Reply #66 on:** 03/18/2024 11:43 am »

Quote from: Timmers89 on 10/25/2023 05:37 pm

SpaceX recommendations for paint are PSX700 (this is the same paint used on the wind generators)

Been looking at using PSX700 myself for another project (painting my airplane). I wonder if that's what they paint the boosters with in service?

Stan-1967 · « **Reply #67 on:** 06/17/2024 11:53 pm »

DISH has completed a mini-display at the F9 rocket. Some nice placards giving a quick history and perspective to this particular vehicle.

alugobi · « **Reply #68 on:** 06/18/2024 12:54 am »

My neck...

ZachS09 · « **Reply #69 on:** 06/18/2024 02:15 am »

Quote from: alugobi on 06/18/2024 12:54 am

My neck...

Your neck will be fine. As long as you view the attachments on a separate page.