SpaceX Super Heavy and Starship updates

By DocM
in Science News & Discussion

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Grand Master

DocM

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It. Is. Happening....

 

Brownsville Herald...

 


>
SpaceX spokesman James Gleeson said in an email that the Starship prototype was moved to the launch pad in preparation for testing, though the public won't be able to see the first tests. 

"SpaceX will conduct checkouts of the newly installed ground systems and perform a short static fire test in the days ahead," he said. 

"Although the prototype is designed to perform sub-orbital flights, or hops, powered by the SpaceX Raptor engine, the vehicle will be tethered during initial testing and hops will not be visible from offsite. SpaceX will establish a safety zone perimeter in coordination with local enforcement and signage will be in place to alert the community prior to the testing."
>

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Grand Master

DocM

Posted
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Aerial view of the Starship Prototype test launch site, which still needs a few items for high altitude tests. The square pad has heavily reinforced hard points for the legs.

 

 

Another angle showing the full launch site, looking towards the Gulf of Mexico.

 

1591311837_IMG_20190309_145554-2048(1).thumb.jpg.28244ae984db16226126bc0b9a6031a1.jpg

 

Same source, overview of the build site.

 

In front of the Sprung structure is the original build jig. Between it and the Sprung is the first new cylinder. 

 

To the right background, surrounded by shipping containers,  is a second build site with another cylinder.

 

The Starship Hopper at center is now at the pad, moved there by a transporter rig similar to those used for moving large items and houses

 

IMG_20190309_143558-2048.thumb.jpg.9bbf24e90b7f7df193ab6117e11e12ce.jpg

 

Edited by DocM
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Grand Master

TrevorLahey

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Posted
On 3/8/2019 at 7:11 PM, DocM said:

Now we know why the Starship Hopper was moved today!

 

 

 

Are they still working on the nose cone?  I could see them sending this up without.  In my non-engineer opinion, I'm not sure it does a whole lot for them other than it makes it look more like a rocket.

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Grand Master

DocM

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There are two build sites at Boca Chica, and they're working on new cylinders at each. The steel is much shinier, thicker and they're being seam welded by machine.

 

One may well be a nose cone, but it wouldn't surprise me if Starship Mk 1 is also being built - or soon will be. 

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Grand Master

DocM

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Raptor SN2 installed today, tests very soon. 

 

KRGV News...

 

Quote


SpaceX Confirms Test Launch of Rocket Prototype Days Away

EAR BROWNSVILLE SpaceX officials confirm that a test launch of the rocket prototype at the Boca Chica Beach site is just days away.

SpaceX spokesman James Gleeson confirmed in a statement:

SpaceX will conduct checkouts of the newly installed ground systems and perform a short static fire test in the days ahead. Although the prototype is designed to perform sub-orbital flights, or hops, powered by the SpaceX Raptor engine, the vehicle will be tethered during initial testing and hops will not be visible from offsite."

Terry Heaton, a Boca Chica Beach Village resident, says with the test launch approaching he is worried about access to the area during testing. 

Heaton says he hasn't received any word from county officials or SpaceX about any plans for them to leave their home, road closures or access to the area. 
>

Yes, he has, and per the EIS village residents will be allowed in and out. Beach access is restricted.

Grand Master

DocM

Posted
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:woot:

Austin Barnard🚀 @austinbarnard45
Do y'all think #SpaceX will attempt some sort of test, With only one raptor or wait for the other two to arrive. It's honestly been boggling my mind.
|
Elon Musk ✔ @elonmusk
First (really short) hops with one engine. Suborbital flights with three.
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Hopefully. Always many issues integrating engine & stage. First hops will lift off, but only barely.
|
Raptor is *very* complex, even for a staged combustion engine. Were simplifying as much as possible with each iteration. Throttling down to ~50% is hard, but manageable. Going to 25% would be extremely tough, but hopefully not needed.
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Working on regulatory approval for both Boca Chica, Texas, and Cape Kennedy, Florida. Will also be building Starship & Super Heavy simultaneously in both locations.
|

 

So the two new build sites in Texas are Starship Mk 1,and they'll be flying from the Eastern Range!!

Edited by DocM
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