Chopsticks and Carriage Lifted Onto the Launch Tower | SpaceX Boca Chica

Mechazilla's Chopsticks and Carriage were lifted into place on the Launch Tower, new framing was spotted on Booster 4's Raptor engines, and two of the recently constructed staircase sections were moved next to the High Bay.

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L2 Boca Chica (more clips and photos) from BC's very early days to today.

0:00 - Sunrise
0:34 - Skate Reinstalled on Launch Tower
1:02 - Orbital Launch Site
1:17 - Chopsticks and Carriage
1:38 - Chopsticks and Carriage Lifted
2:51 - Frankencrane + Chopsticks and Carriage Rotated
3:41 - Chopsticks and Carriage Moved Into Place
6:29 - Chopsticks and Carriage Installed on Launch Tower
7:30 - The Lift in One Unbroken Shot
8:11 - Cable Reel at the Base of the Launch Tower
8:28 - New Framing Around Booster 4's Raptor Engines
8:52 - Crews Work on the B2.1 Test Tank
9:28 - Hydraulic Actuator Moved to the Launch Site
10:21 - Stair Section Moved Next to High Bay
11:11 - Stair Sections and B2.1 Test Tank
11:54 - Wide Bay Construction

[NASASpaceflight]

0:00 - Sunrise
0:34 - Skate Reinstalled on Launch Tower
1:02 - Orbital Launch Site
1:17 - Chopsticks and Carriage
1:38 - Chopsticks and Carriage Lifted
2:51 - Frankencrane + Chopsticks and Carriage Rotated
3:41 - Chopsticks and Carriage Moved Into Place
6:29 - Chopsticks and Carriage Installed on Launch Tower
7:30 - The Lift in One Unbroken Shot
8:11 - Cable Reel at the Base of the Launch Tower
8:28 - New Framing Around Booster 4's Raptor Engines
8:52 - Crews Work on the B2.1 Test Tank
9:28 - Hydraulic Actuator Moved to the Launch Site
10:21 - Stair Section Moved Next to High Bay
11:11 - Stair Sections and B2.1 Test Tank
11:54 - Wide Bay Construction

[tylero]

As a plumber/gas fitter/pipe fitter with over 25 years on the tools, these tradesmen are amazing. Nothing gets done in the world without skilled trades helping, designers, engineers and dreamers build the future and our world. Amazing.

[Wimp_Lo_]

I cant believe this thing (the whole launch tower) is becoming a reality. This is one of those things that you would see concept art of that would never realistically be built.

[jord]

This is next level engineering, the fact they are gonna attempt too catch a dam rocket ship is still unbelievable

[dylanhalbig]

Shoutout to all those amazing workers who are making this possible!

[chucksmith]

When I consider the logistics of getting the right equipment and materials to the places they are needed, I am amazed. When I think about the precision engineering, construction, and assembly of each element of the launch tower, high bay, and wide bay all while continuing to move forward with development and construction of the boosters and various ships, I am stunned. When I put it all together, my brain melts.

[DavidKutzler]

2:38 I love the little cluster of riggers in the lower left corner all tugging the rope like a game of tug-of-war to swing the chopstick assembly as they navigate the carriage arms through the assembly stand and position it for attachment. Kudos to the riggers for an amazing job.

[leehaber]

It is going to be incredible to see the catch mechanism in action!

[gamemeh]

When they built the tower, I was like 'ok, that's impressive', 'what a structure', and now, getting it's hands and arms attached... just wow. Seeing that thing move up and down the tower.. If SpaceX have gotten this far down the road in this concept, then I am sure they are sure they can achieve what they are wanting. I have no doubts of that in fact. It's all.. starting to come together now...

[EpicSpaceflight]

These landing and catches with the chopsticks are going to be so wild to see with my own eyes while filming

[istiles]

A truly remarkable spectacle. Kudos to the NSF squad for their live coverage AND those filming, the perspectives were awesome. The team it took to construct and then erect the 'chopsticks' are phenoms in their own right, but a special hand has to be given to the crane crew and in particular the actual operator sitting in the seat & doing the lift, that person is just incredibly talented. Great vid y'all!

[nikospapageorgiou]

This is how the future is shaped! Amazing engineering, never tried before!

[thebossman]

Was watching live for the chopstick lift and literally as soon as the commentary stream ended I went straight to 24/7 cam. What a great time to be alive and thanks NSF team for all you do to help us be able to witness these super historic events!

[joestallings]

I love when you zoom in on the still photos!

[cogoid]

There is always intense work at the site, but it is really great to see installation of the chopsticks. Great milestone!

[mickborneo]

I could stop after watching the sunrise over the ocean and still be awed. Great shots!

[neotheone]

Wow! I don't usually comment on these videos I just selfishly watch and enjoy them. I'll admit I have been looking forward to this moment and, Wow! THANKS

[BraveUlysses]

I’m still trying to imagine the conversation in an engineering conference room at SpaceX.
Sr. Engineer: We have to land this thing.
Jr. Engineer: Let’s pull the legs off and try to catch it.
Sr. Engineer: that sounds cool. Let’s give it a shot.
And now, eleven months later, this thing exists. It’s amazing what they’re doing.

[LindaMadlala]

All my life, I thought airplane landings were fascinating but this is just numbing insanity...I'll probably faint when it happens.

[spacextreme]

SpaceX is letting the inner child of engineers speak and actually think about the ideas seriously