(1/8) #StarshipAddicts, I think we have a major update for you about one of the #Starship variants we have been expecting to see at #Starbase!
It has been speculated that this nose cone barrel section was to be used for the #CargoVariant.
(2/8) Thanks to @RGVaerialphotos, we now know what it looks like from above. In this image you can see in interior structure which is most likely used to open the "payload bay"
(3/8) If you watched the most recent episode from @RGVaerialphotos flyover review you will remember us mentioning that the size of this payload door makes a lot more sense for #HLS#LunarStarship than it does for #Cargo version.
(4/8) Its tough to do anything speculate until there is more solid evidence.
That evidence came sooner than expected today, when a very interesting looking structure was lifted into the nosecone barrel section. It was very hard to make out on #Sentinel cam.
(5/8) Luckily @jessica_kirsh was in the right place at the right time today! She ALWAYS catches important deliveries during her livestreams. This is a close up view of the structure being lifted into the payload section.
Link to the original livestream
(6/8) This might look pretty familiar to some long time #StarshipAddicts out there.
Although they are slightly different. This is more than likely the same elevator expected to be used in the #LunarStarship to get cargo and astronauts from the ship, to the Lunar surface!
(7/8) If this is the case, then it is exciting to finally see some long awaited #HLS progress. Looking at this #SpaceX render, I think everything lines up just about perfectly. Even though this is the older version of the #LunarLander concept.
(8/8) This makes me feel a lot less crazy for believing that the new #Starship transport/test stand that #S20 is sitting on... is actually a #HLS#LunarLaunchMount pathfinder.
When I get some time I'll post a deeper explanation on this one.
I'll reserve the possibility that this structure could also be for ejecting #Starlink Satellites out of the little payload bay door. Which is less exciting, but far more important/relevant when it comes to recent events.
Not going to delete this post, but it appears that it actually went into the newer barrel section and not the pathfinder!
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
This piece of equipment is the main reason for using the #LR11000 Super crane to lift the booster, instead of the #Chopsticks. I'm going to refer to it as the Locator Pin.
(2/11) When fully extended, the locator pin is inserted into this position on the starship #StarshipSuperHeavy's Hydraulic Power Units (#HPU's). There are two of these located on either side of the booster.
(3/11) I'm not sure if the aero cover actually makes contact with this hard point on the booster, but its not meant to take much force either way. In order to not damage the booster, these locator pins are designed to have a relatively light tough.
(1/10) Hey #StarshipAddicts! If you didn't get a chance to check out the latest @RGVaerialphotos Flyover review livestream then you missed some interesting details about new progress around #Starbase. Here's a summary of last weeks top finds. A lot of info in this image alone!
(2/10) CH4 Storage Tanks:
The tanks shown in this picture are assumed to be the additional Methane storage tanks needed in order to fully fuel a #Starship/#SuperHeavyBooster for orbital launches and also suborbital WDR / Cryo testing on the new staging pads.
(3/10) CH4 Storage Tanks: @LabPadre#Gatorcam caught these four tanks rolling into the port on a barge on the morning of Feb 15, 2022 at KSC. These are identical tanks to the four tanks that we have seen at the Sanchez site.
(1/14) Hey #StarshipAddicts , @CSI_Starbase has concluded that #B4 is NEVER going to leave the ground under its own power & #B5 is just a massive lawn ornament.
#StarshipSuperHeavy#B7 is up next, lets look at some of the difference we have noticed so far!
On the FWD dome we see a new design for the stage separation clamps. These may have not been completed yet on #B7 but the initial shape of them is a departure from the previous boosters.
Autogenous pressurization lines have been moved higher up towards the top of the #CH4 tank dome instead of below the stringers like the #Block1#SSH's (Sorry not sorry for making new acronyms)
Anyone else wish this was related to Hot Gas Thrusters?
(1) Hey #StarshipAddicts...I have a feeling that a lot of you have heard various things here and there about possible issues with the #OrbitalTankFarm at the #Starbase launch complex. Check out this thread if you want the FULL story starting from the very first signs of trouble
(2) This is a break from my normal style, I'm going to tell you all a story.
At the end of May 2021, I took my first ever trip to Starbase as a treat to myself after quitting my job as an Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
(3) The moment my last shift came to and end, I got in my car and drove 10 hours straight with the intension of not stopping until I got to the #Starbase sign. I drove through a massive 4 hour rain storm that ended, right as the #Highbay came into view.
1. I'm thankful @SpaceX chose #BocaChica for the #Starship program. I'm thankful @LabPadre was allowed to set up cameras and livestream history in the making. A lot of us should be thankful we found those livestreams when the #StayAtHome orders started.
2. I think there are a lot of people out there who agree with this. I also think that a good portion of those people may have not made it through #COVID without #Spacex and #Labpadre. Whether #Starship makes it to Mars or not...its already saved a large number of human lives.
Finally! Ive been waiting for this thing to show up for 2 months. Searched high and low in @RGVaerialphotos photos 8 weeks straight hoping I would see signs of it before anyone else.
If you are confused at what this is or want to learn more about it check out the thread below
I had a feeling this would happen. It sucks to have to skip ahead in the Orbital Launch Mount series cuz its going to be impossible to keep the whole thing in one thread now. Might have to come up with a better way of organizing this stuff.
One more thing!
Should I post this entire explanation at one time? Or would yal rather see them as I finish each page?
I'll let yal decide while I grab some food. @RGVaerialphotos unexpected post forced me to skip lunch for this.
*FYI The first option will probably contain more errors*