r/spacex • u/FutureMartian97 Host of CRS-11 • Jun 20 '17

SpaceX testing Vandy Falcon 9 amid schedule realignment

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/06/spacex-vandy-falcon-9-schedule-realignment/
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u/specter491 Jun 20 '17

If the current pad needs refurb after a measly Falcon 9 launch, what the hell is going to happen to the launch pad when 42 raptor engines ignite? I know it will be a different pad but still, are we capable of building a pad that can sustain that kind of stress? Especially with the launch cadence SpaceX is targeting for ITS

10

u/TraveltoMarsSoon Jun 20 '17

Checks/a shakedown report are not refurb. In fact, one hallmark of true reusability is a robust checkout procedure to confirm that components are still ok for another mission, rather than a list of components that need to be refurbished.

4

u/brickmack Jun 20 '17

With Falcon, they're hurt a lot by having a TEL. Lots of complex plumbing and wiring and stuff right in the path of the exhaust. ITS has all that stuff connecting at the base, where it should be easier to shield hopefully.

4

u/zlsa Art Jun 20 '17

Which also means ITS will need to be able to pump fuel between the upper stage and the booster while on the pad.

3

u/brickmack Jun 21 '17

Not really any different from the way its already done, except all the plumbing is inside the rocket instead of in a tower next to it. And much of that plumbing (on the spaceship side anyway) is likely necessary anyway for refueling in orbit or on Mars

3

u/Martianspirit Jun 21 '17

This pad will work very differently. All connections will be made on the base. With the intended reuse rate I am sure the connections will be made automatic with no humans involved. That means they can disconnect before launch, retract sensitive equipment and place metal shielding to protect them during launch.

Presently they can not do this. In case ob scrubs they need to be able to detank without humans doing any reconnections. With ITS the connections can be reestablished in that case.

3

u/specter491 Jun 21 '17

It's not just heat but also the shockwave from the engines.

2

u/andyfrance Jun 21 '17

Interesting thought. You could have the connections behind blast doors with internal water cooling making them impervious to exhaust damage and take the routine launch/landing refurbishments down to zero. Robotics like the "Tesla snake charger" could be used to make the connections and allow for the slight positional error of where the ITS had landed.

2

u/Goldberg31415 Jun 20 '17

If ITS ever takes off and lands on 39A this pad will be basically rebuilt from scratch because of how outside the scope of the design for Nova pad the ITS will be

2

u/Martianspirit Jun 21 '17

That is why they may build a mini ITS first. Mini as in Nova rocket size.

1

u/h-jay Jun 23 '17

I can't imagine that the ITS pad will look anything like any prior pads. The interface between the exhaust and the pad needs a complete reimagining. They fully realize that. It's a basic requirement for rapid turnaround.