(1/8) Deep Dive 1 on the Ship Quick Disconnect (SQD) or “squid”. Following the excellent format used by Zack (@CSI_Starbase). First thread: “Axes of Motion” (at least 5 but could be 6 or 7 axes). 📸@Starshipgazer
(2/8) 1. SQD Arm on Orbital Launch Integration Tower (OLIT): Deploy/Retract (60 deg. of motion) about 17 m of clearance to OLM when retracted.
(3/8) 2. Claw & Platform deployment: Deploy/Retract (Platform halves attached to claw, L/R sides are connected to common plate on bottom of SQD Arm Extension)
(4/8) 3. Grippers: Open/Close (L/R sides are independent)📸@Starshipgazer
(5/8) 4. SH Clamps: Open/Close (L/R sides are independent, only R side currently installed) 📸@Starshipgazer
(6/8) 5. Ship QD: Extend/Retract (independent of claw/platform -- could remain connected when claw/platforms retracted)
(7/8) 6 or 7 (Possible axes) Ship QD Plate: Up/Down & Left/Right (4 cameras [2 on platform] allow 3D vision system or could just be for monitoring from control room)
(8/8) SQD Deep Dive 2, Ship Stacking Sequence (coming later this week)
@NicAnsuini@StarshipGazer@CosmicalChief There are actually 3 cameras on the SQD and (at least) 2 on the deployable platforms. It may be a passive alignment system which pushes against the Ship hull too.
(1/11) Deep Dive 3 on the Ship Quick Disconnect (SQD): Starship Launch Sequence:
(2/11) 1. T - 10:00, a. Chopsticks’ vertical stabilizers retract from Ship sockets; b. Chopsticks lower 1m clearing load points on catching beams (which rise 0.75m when unloaded); c. Chopsticks open to max width (113°).
(3/11) 2. T - 8:00, Chopsticks rise to max height on OLIT, minimizing time in liftoff flames (SS traveling faster). Don’t have enough clearance to swing chopsticks across Starship, nor can the carriage move down the tower with the SQD arm deployed.