Questions tagged [launchpad]
Questions regarding vertical rocket launch platforms and facilities in their immediate vicinity supporting final preparations for a rocket launch.
118 questions
11 votes
1 answer
5k views
Why does Starship launch on a cloud?
This image is from the first launch attempt of spaceX's IFT-8. During propellant loading, I understand that the process requires significant venting, my question is the following: Why does SpaceX ...
- 4,804
2 votes
1 answer
207 views
Which areas would be suitable for a launch pad in Bangladesh? What factors should be considered?
Considering the vast open sea to the south and limited open sea to the east, which areas would be suitable? What factors should be considered?
- 121
4 votes
0 answers
156 views
Why does SpaceX use a ground crane to assemble launch towers instead of the gin pole method or a tower crane?
Why does SpaceX raise launch tower sections with a ground-based crane instead of the “gin pole” method? TheirLR11350 is a remarkable machine, but can’t the previously assembled tower “bootstrap” the ...
- 36.6k
2 votes
0 answers
154 views
Is the rocket exhaust plume at liftoff of a liquid fuled rocket cold? Can it condense? [duplicate]
I try to understand what the exhaust cloud on the ground from the start of Starship consists of. Of course it was unusually mineral-rich, but I try to understand whether we saw much else, apart from ...
- 387
3 votes
1 answer
202 views
ROFI Temperature
Since hydrogen-fueled rockets usually require Radial Outward Firing Igniters (ROFI), what is the temperature of the sparks from this system? When seen at RS-25/RS-68 ignition, they don't melt but ...
- 319
5 votes
1 answer
599 views
Was the exhaust cloud at the Starship launch mostly pulverized launchpad?
The launch of Spacex Starship on April 20 2023 looked pretty normal on first sight, apart from some engines not running, and some concrete flying around. The huge exhaust cloud looked normal, because ...
- 387
6 votes
1 answer
226 views
Space Shuttle Hammerhead Cranes Status
From the beginning of the the shuttle program up until the mid 1990's, both LC-39 launchpads had a hammerhead crane atop of the Fixed Service Structure which was leftover from the Apollo program. What ...
- 319
3 votes
1 answer
317 views
After the Challenger disaster, the Fixed Service Structures on pads 39A & B had a new structure on the FSS. What is it?
After the space shuttle Challenger disaster, the Fixed Service Structure was modified with a panel next to the Centaur porch, what was its purpose on the launch tower?
- 319
5 votes
1 answer
312 views
SLS SRB sound suppression system
The Shuttle, in addition to the water deluge system, used a series of red nylon bags filled with water at the base of each SRB for additional sound suppression. Does the SLS, whose boosters produce ~...
- 920
6 votes
0 answers
173 views
Why doesn’t the SLS have a service structure?
Both the Saturn V and the Shuttle had the Mobile Service Structure and the Rotating Service Structure respectively for work on the pad. Why doesn’t the SLS have such a thing?
- 61
7 votes
1 answer
665 views
Does the SLS mobile launch platform share any hardware with STS or even Saturn I/V MLP?
Following up on this question, does the SLS mobile launch platform reuse any hardware from the STS (Space Shuttle) or even Saturn mobile launch platforms? The launch tower looks very similar to the ...
- 14.9k
-1 votes
1 answer
191 views
Could we launch from the moon to another planetary body? [closed]
Would it be possible with currently rocket technology or technology towards the end of its development (ex. SLS, Starship, New Glenn, etc.) to launch from the moon. Of course, we would send down a ...
- 7,248
-1 votes
1 answer
287 views
Can we launch from the moon?
Would it be possible with currently rocket technology or technology towards the end of its development (ex. SLS, Starship, New Glenn, etc.) to launch from the moon. Of course, we would send down a ...
- 7,248
5 votes
1 answer
161 views
What is the current turnaround time for Vandenberg SLC-4E?
Is there public knowledge for the turnaround time for this Falcon 9 B5 pad?
4 votes
1 answer
223 views
How long does it take for Ariane 5 to roll to the launch pad?
The launchpad is 2800 m away from the building where Ariane 5 is assembled. Based on the Ariane 5 user manual, Section 7.5.5, Figure 7.5.5.4.b, the Ariane 5 transfer to launchpad happens one day ...
- 5,138