• Orbital laiunch pad: flame trench?

    From JF Mezei@21:1/5 to All on Mon Jun 28 11:28:53 2021
    I know I have asked before but since the Orbital Launch Pad at Boca
    Chica is really taking shape now, I'll ask again in case someone has
    gotten some details.

    The pictures so far show the supporting structure (those big white
    pipes) over a FLAT concrete base.

    At this point of construction, is it fair to conclude that SpaceX has no
    plans for a flame trench?

    It is possible to build a round wall aroud the base with an opening at
    one side to act as the equivalent of a flame trench ?

    If SpaceX intends to use Boca Chica as permanent manufactiuring
    facility, won't it be launching newly built modules from there in order
    to deliver them to either Florida or floating oil rigs? (aka: there is a
    need for a permanent facility, not a temporary one).


    Or is there expectation that the orbital launch pad is just "iterarive"
    and a real one will be built at a later time?

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  • From Snidely@21:1/5 to All on Mon Jun 28 19:07:33 2021
    JF Mezei was thinking very hard :
    I know I have asked before but since the Orbital Launch Pad at Boca
    Chica is really taking shape now, I'll ask again in case someone has
    gotten some details.

    The pictures so far show the supporting structure (those big white
    pipes) over a FLAT concrete base.

    At this point of construction, is it fair to conclude that SpaceX has no plans for a flame trench?

    Elon has even indicated publicly that they aren't doing a frame trench.
    However, the height of the launch table provides help.

    It is possible to build a round wall aroud the base with an opening at
    one side to act as the equivalent of a flame trench ?

    Dunno. Get a torch and some quickcrete and start modeling.

    If SpaceX intends to use Boca Chica as permanent manufactiuring
    facility, won't it be launching newly built modules from there in order
    to deliver them to either Florida or floating oil rigs? (aka: there is a
    need for a permanent facility, not a temporary one).


    Or is there expectation that the orbital launch pad is just "iterarive"
    and a real one will be built at a later time?

    We'll find out.

    /dps

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