Yesterday, A peculiar structure was spotted by @RGVaerialphotos at the #SpaceX Massey test range.
This structure is indicative of a 35 engine Superheavy.
After some debate on S&T w/@zaskeller & @RyanHansenSpace, This is roughly the configuration that the jig shows.
This structure is indicative of a 35 engine Superheavy.
After some debate on S&T w/@zaskeller & @RyanHansenSpace, This is roughly the configuration that the jig shows.
To be more specific, this jig is a centerpiece of a new thrust ram being built for the Superheavy booster. There is still ongoing debate on exactly what configuration the thrust rams will be set up on top of the jig, but generally they are set on top of the corner points before the entire thing is submerged in concrete. (You can see the embeds sticking out as well)
The above video demonstrates the gimbal capability of such a setup. When measured properly this jig does exactly fit the middle bank of 10 engines. Without the booster engine shields in the way, as planned, you can get a considerable amount of gimbal authority that was not previously present in this configuration if you kept the engine shielding.
You will still need some shielding up the dome to protect avionics packages and such, which is depicted here.
The middle bank of engines does NOT need to move outwards, the thrust puck size can remain the same.
For now it's just a waiting game to see what actually happens.
The above video demonstrates the gimbal capability of such a setup. When measured properly this jig does exactly fit the middle bank of 10 engines. Without the booster engine shields in the way, as planned, you can get a considerable amount of gimbal authority that was not previously present in this configuration if you kept the engine shielding.
You will still need some shielding up the dome to protect avionics packages and such, which is depicted here.
The middle bank of engines does NOT need to move outwards, the thrust puck size can remain the same.
For now it's just a waiting game to see what actually happens.
You can watch the discussion about this hardware on Starbase weekly, located here; youtube.com/live/oCg4HJQow…
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
