SpaceX Reveals NEW Pad Upgrade For Starship Launch, Unlike Any Others...

SpaceX Reveals NEW Pad Upgrade For Starship Launch, Unlike Any Others...
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#alphatech
#techalpha
#spacex
#elonmusk
#starship
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SpaceX Reveals NEW Pad Upgrade For Starship Launch, Unlike Any Others...
If SpaceX's Starship Block 2 version represents a technological leap in rocket technology, then the new launch pad also is a groundbreaking revolution in this field.
Not only does it improve the speed and construction techniques, but the new launch pad also advances toward an unprecedented design. It will even feature changes that none of us dared to imagine before.
So, how has the upgraded launch pad evolved compared to the old one?
Let’s find out on today’s episode of Alpha Tech.
In just 4 months, SpaceX rapidly and efficiently assembled its second launch tower. This new engineering structure serves as a significant milestone in the development of the Starship program, marking the beginning of a new era with more advanced and frequent launches.
To complete the structure of a 'spaceport,' SpaceX is continuing the construction of the Orbital Launch Mount (OLM), which plays a critical role in this effort.
SpaceX Reveals NEW Pad Upgrade For Starship Launch, Unlike Any Others...
The OLM is the foundational support system for Starship during launch and pre-launch operations. Its function extends beyond just providing stability; it also facilitates refueling, pre-flight preparations, and safety protocols, making it an essential component in SpaceX’s mission to revolutionize space travel. As the company aims for ambitious goals, including the colonization of Mars, the OLM will become even more vital in supporting the operational demands of frequent and complex spaceflights.
Previously, SpaceX's launch mount was a traditional structure fixed to the ground, but the design for the second launch pad incorporates smart innovations. The traditional OLM was primarily designed to provide stability during launches, with its core function being to support the Starship rocket, assist with refueling, and manage pre-launch preparations. While effective, its fixed nature limits its adaptability and flexibility.
SpaceX Reveals NEW Pad Upgrade For Starship Launch, Unlike Any Others...
Once the rocket is launched, the structure remains in place, requiring extensive maintenance and refurbishments before it can be reused, potentially leading to longer downtimes between missions.
Recognizing the need for a more dynamic system, SpaceX may have introduced the concept of a mobile OLM, which offers significant potential benefits. Unlike its static predecessor, the mobile OLM can be repositioned, allowing for faster and more efficient maintenance without disrupting other launch operations. This flexibility could revolutionize SpaceX's launch operations by minimizing downtime and enabling a higher frequency of launches.

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[thunderamu]

NASA perfected this configuration in the 60s with Apollo. Nice to see a return of tried and true tech! SLC-39 A & B are still in operation with those huge flame trenches. My money says SpaceX will improve upon that design.

[kevinbindel]

Let spacex build the space station it will be fast under budget and most important it will work

[topandeneil]

The first OLM is hardly "traditional", as you call it; rather, it was a one-off idea, and not a good one. The new OLM is in fact designed to be much more traditional, starting with the use of an actual flame trench.

[MichaelCarriger]

You only have to look at the system now at Massey to see where SpaceX is going with the new launch tower infrastructure. With a flame trench and mobile transporter systems, NASA really needs SpaceX to come in and take over launch systems.

[aboucard]

What's the point of flying flight 5 without catching the booster?

[petemccalam]

If you have 3 or 4 OLM's then no delays whatsoever! Starship turns up at the tower on it's own OLM...GREAT IDEA!!

[jroar]

I came up with the new launchpad design last year. I'm glade to see that they considered it and are building it.

[petemccalam]

What would be the odds of B30 going way off course and landing on top of FAA HQ?

[garylester]

Gee? never dared to imagine? if you dig back thru my writs here on Alpha Tech theres mention of a launch mount where the thrust force is contained by connecting the mount to a base rather than pilings into the ground.
That the thrust pushes against the base plate, which is pretty good for friction connection towards down...

Have also mentioned launch mount componants that are able to be changed out for refurbishment. That was on a sea launch writ... 🤭

Glad to see they are working those directions that "Nobody" dared to imagine.
Now if they'll just start thinking about that tower, and all that waste heat from the rocket exhaust, and that it would easily power a flash boiler, and a steam catapult system to give the ships some lift assist when they are using the most fuel to fight stationary innertia...

Would mean increased payloads for same fuel use.

Real Engineers like using wasted energy, the results are called: "Efficiency"....

🤣Just sayin'

[guillermohermosa]

That lauanch pad new design probably will success for being movable but there is still time delay on repairs, not like to be separated with a very distance mounting and get away quickly to massive fire produce by rocket nozzle.

[MrMcbear]

Space X should cut up B11 into tiny pieces and sell them. Would be an awesome piece to have.

[nealmacdonald]

I think SpaceX already knows what happened to the Starship that landed in the ocean and was just recently recovered.

[TrustGodsLove]

When thinking about the catch tower and olm I have thought about tossing a toddler from Dad to Mom
or Mom to Dad
The hands need to adjust
The footing needs to move
The arms need to be able to quickly react to the change in weight
The child is highly valuable and so is Super heavy😅

[MichaelCarriger]

SpaceX should enter into discussions with Axiom. SpaceX should take a major shareholder if not out right ownership of Axiom. Then SpaceX could combine the space suit design and manufacturing. The Axiom space station needs to be completed.

[XCX]

Now's the time for SpaceX to buy axiom

[markhuebner]

Great perspective on at least one Moslem

[jeffreydavis]

Space X a leader in space travel Elon Musk will never fail everyone else will never caught up Tesla is making a better future for everyone

[PyroRob]

The engines were at 2000F or 3000F and they hit 50F water. What do you think would happen?

[peterclarke]

So this is where the ‘Spaceships landing on pyramids idea comes from…’ ? ;)

[On-down-the-road]

You cannot see that it is ripped apart? It definitely exploded. Just after splashdown. I had hope that it didn't, and as we can plainly see it did. With that in mind, catching the booster at this test, is sketchey