Thread by @julia_bergeron

Now that the Starship MK1 presentation is over I am seeing more questions about how SpaceX will move MK2 from the Cidco Rd. facility to KSC. I did a public records request and got answers to many of your burning questions. How to move a Starship 101. (Thread) #MK2 #Starship

It all starts with a Letter of Essentiality which was filed with the FDoT on July 3, 2019. The original intention was to do the move in September but has now been delayed to Oct/Nov. They state max dimensions as well as a night time move. #MK2 #Starship

Starship, as large as it is, poses some challenges as an oversized load. A path had to be determined that would have the least amount of obstacles such as power/utility lines. This requires a new clearing from the industrial area as well as contra traffic travel. #MK2 #Starship

The path between Cidco Road and FedEx is currently being cleared. What is unclear yet is if it will be paved or if they will lay down mats for the transporter. Several power lines have been raised or burried and other utilities are making progress. #MK2 #Starship

Where it gets tricky and where time is of the essence is where Starship will enter the US528 ramp. Virgin Train is prepping to lay down track and a new overpass will pass over the route. #MK2 #Starship

According to emails aquired in the PRR, Virgin Train and SpaceX have been communicating regarding use of the ramp and the need for no concrete barriers until after MK2 is moved. After that, a new route may need to be discovered for MK4. #MK2 #Starship

Now, the BIG question I have been asked is horizontal or vertical transport. The answer is horizontal. Roll-Lift, the same who have moved MK1, will be doing the transport and it will look very similar to the photo below, but, with a Starship. #MK2 #Starship

They will transport to the 528 footing noted and traverse on mats that have been layed out. The area, a local fishing spot, was not originally intended for heavy transport. From there they will do a roll on to a barge with two support tugs. #MK2 #Starship

SpaceX/Roll-Lift will be responsible for any repairs needed to the sea wall. An engineering study was done of the area to ensure there were no existing voids that would cause a hazard with heavy loads. #MK2 #Starship

Once the transporter is rolled onto the barge they will utalize the Indian River Lagoon to the Canaveral Barge Canal. At that point they will be on the Banana River Lagoon and can travel north to the KSC Turn Basin. #MK2 #Starship

I am about to board a plane. I thank you for your attention as, wow, that's a lot to digest. We can chat more MK2 transportation when I am back on solid ground. 😏

Thanks to the good eye of @CarlyleSmith I realize I posted the original proposed route in my thread. This is the updated route that reflects the cut through and utility line work we have seen. #MK2 #Starship