Booster 7 Sends Concrete Flying At 40% Power! Will SpaceX Regret Not a Using Flame Diverter?

Booster 7's 14-engine static fire test earlier this week surprised many with its gargantuan power (and it was only 40% of its total power output), causing some damage and even shooting concrete chunks up in the air. Is the launch pad at Starbase ready to take the full force of a Super Heavy Booster?

Special thanks to:
NASASpaceflight

CSI Starbase

SpaceX

Labpadre:

Starship Gazer Media:

RGV Aerial Photography

...and other awesome

Starship artists:

#SpaceX #Starship

[vast]

Conclusion, the concrete did see some chipping.

[bridgetgraves]

I saw the view from a ground camera probably a mile from the launchpad showing cement raining down during today's launch attempt. Definitely a mistake to not have a flame diverter. I wonder if any of the engine failures at launch were due to no flame trench and a minimal deluge system.

[glenntroyer]

I think you were right about it being a risky bet. Looks like the place took a serious beating.

[TheRajmoney]

This is what happened at the 420 launch. This what looks like damage the engines today.

I wonder why the went for it

[AKjohndoe]

Love your videos! Also, I think we all thought the lack of a flame diverter was going to be trouble.

[Owlzz_]

I think that because there will be no flame diverter in Mars since this rocket is designed to land on mars surface and back to earth with little to no refurbishment

[HoLeeFuk]

I've always been concerned about the heat and concrete. Especially in the launch mount pillars.

[glassesstapler]

this is what happens when you have parents that praise you, regardless of the product of your work. smh

[Baslium]

Will SpaceX Regret Not a Using Flame Diverter? The answer is NO.

[robertbrander]

Why do continue to Show ... Unrealistic CGI Cartoons ?? ... The Spaceship, Can't have big huge Windows ... It Can't land on the rugged unknown Surface of the Moon or Mars ... and, It Can't shoot out Satellites without Thrusters correcting the orientation of the Ship ! ....

[kevinm]

Part of the goal is to see what corners can be cut and what money can be saved to make this all work as cheap as possible without causing damage and ensuring safety as well as ensuring they stay within the bounds of the environmental requirements so the eco fucks dont scream to loud!