#SpaceX is preparing to move the massive new #Starship launch mount structure for #Starbase Pad B to the launch site for installation. In this post, I’ll give an overview of the design and use my 3D models to calculate the structure’s mass in its current configuration.

This new launch mount, nearly an entire redesign, is SpaceX’s best effort at correcting many of the issues discovered with the mount at Pad A after a handful of launches. The only similarity between this mount and the original launch mount for Pad A is that 20 arms will still be used to support the #SuperHeavy booster before liftoff. However, the arms and everything else making up the structure are entirely different. This new launch mount has three main layers. The bottom layer is a truss section formed by four beam sections and four highly strengthened corner sections. Together, they create a square, with the beams distributing the weight of a fully loaded Starship vehicle into the corners and down onto the four pedestals on which the mount will sit at the launch site. The interior of these beams will likely be used for crew access and running pipework, which will provide water and other fluids for the mount’s functions.

Here's a detailed thread that breaks down some of the information suggesting that Starbase Tower B will be used to catch the first Starship and not Tower A. Let's start by looking at the catch points attached to #Starship S33 before Starship Flight 7. While I understand that these catch fittings were non-structural, their primary purpose was to analyze their thermal performance. You'd only get valid data if you used the hardware you intended to use later with structural versions. In this image from @StarshipGazer, we can see the catch fitting covered in tiles and the contact point hanging below the arm.
x.com/StarshipGazer/…

The #Starship #SuperHeavy Booster Quick Disconnect (BQD) has been one of the most difficult Starship-related items to model due to its geometric complexity. The BQD operates primarily using only 2 pistons at the base of the structure to push or pull on the parallel frames which moves the BQD interface (and associated hardware and hoses) and operates the door through several linkages making this system as simple as possible from a controls standpoint. 1/5 Recently, the BQD received a new door. This new door features an additional protrusion allowing for additional space under the door. It was originally thought this could be for extra strength as the original door seemed to warp after a few launches. I had a different opinion and alluded to the purpose of this protrusion on @RGVaerialphotos Starbase Weekly, Ep.114. After reviewing many reference images taken by @StarshipGazer I have determined what this new protrusion and hardware is for and modeled it the best I can given the limited views we have of the hardware. 2/5

Shortly before I posted my first detailed thread about my #SuperHeavy #B9 propellant simulation results, #SpaceX rolled B10 to the launch site, and some new weld marks were observed in the lower LOX tank. Like others, I also speculated this may indicate new slosh baffles. /1 It appears SpaceX determined the existing baffles within the LOX tank aren’t enough to mitigate slosh at staging. Using the weld marks, I devised a few designs and tested them with the same conditions as the previous thread to see how each design would change the liquid behavior. /2

Interesting parts are taking shape at #SpaceX's Masseys test site. As more work is completed on the new flame diverter, seemingly random parts start developing into recognizable assemblies. In this short thread, I'll present some ideas surrounding these new parts. As always, this is speculative and subject to change. /1 As always, I do my best to model in detail with accurate measurements from recreated camera shots. Here are my models with one of the images I used from @RGVaerialphotos's recent flyover. Consider becoming a flight supporter as things get more interesting at the Masseys site. /2

It's finally time to unveil my #SuperHeavy #B9 propellant simulation results! In this thread, I will
include some animations with data and provide some brief details about the process. I may make another thread explaining this process in more detail at a later date if desired. /1 I started this project the day after #Starship IFT-2 with some basic tests. It took nearly a month to go from a conceptual idea to a workflow that seemed like it could work and produce fairly accurate results with the limited data that onlookers have access to. /2

Since my last thread, #SpaceX has made a lot of progress with the upgrades beneath the #Starship OLM. In this thread, I will give an updated look at the transpirationally cooled steel plates and explain how they will all come together as well as some additional speculation. 1/n If you haven’t seen my previous thread I HIGHLY recommend checking it out first. It has a lot of details that I either won’t mention here or will expand on or correct and it might be confusing without any context. 2/n

https://twitter.com/RyanHansenSpace/status/1670501687696523264?s=20

SpaceX has made a lot of progress preparing the area around the OLM for the new transpirationally cooled steel plates that will replace the surface below the OLM. I have been observing the changes over the past few weeks and this thread will detail my speculations. 1/n Note, I model everything with real dimensions that I calculate from pixel-counting reference images. This method is not always perfect but more times than not it leads to mostly accurate conclusions. With that said, this thread has speculation but it's informed speculation. 2/n

#SpaceX has started making some progress on the transpirational steel plate system that will be installed under the #Starbase #Starship OLM. In this thread, I will be detailing the latest findings as well as touching on my process for reverse engineering a system like this. (1/n) I completely redid all my models related to this system. The supply pipes and manifolds have been measured and accurately modeled. I was able to gather enough reference photos to get many of the dimensions for the plates and have sized those accordingly. (2/n)

There have been many questions and concerns about the water-cooled steel plate that is planned to be installed under the OLM. I’ll go over some details about it in this thread and maybe ease some of the concerns. There will be some speculation in this towards the end. (1/n) The term “water-cooled plate” is a bit misleading for people who don’t understand how the system will function. Many may relate this system to a closed-loop water loop used on some high-end gaming computers or the liquid intercooler system used in high-performance vehicles. (2/n)