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Barrrrrrnd t1_j81hkq7 wrote

I feel like they should do a full throttle hold down test for at least a few seconds to make sure they aren’t going to blow the pad apart while it’s fully stacked.

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dkf295 t1_j8248dt wrote

A 5 second test is already longer than the rocket will remain on the stand, and damage (thermal and otherwise) decreases exponentially as distance to the pad increases. Which is to say, by a couple seconds into the burn the rocket will be taking off, and by 5 seconds the rocket will be far enough from the mount for the thermal stresses and shockwaves will be less than the 50% intensity, 5 second burn.

Between this and the 10 second, 14 engine test back in November (which was done with inferior concrete that held up dramatically less well than the current 'crete they're using) it's safe to say they're fairly confident there will be no showstopping problems. It is also extremely likely they will have the water deluge system in place for the full launch which will further reduce any damage.

Finally even if they did completely wreck the pad, it's no biggie. Sure, it's not sustainable but this is a test campaign, and they've already re-done the pad several times.

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Loggerdon t1_j83r51s wrote

My friend Glen does driveways. He could be there tomorrow to bid them a new concrete launchpad. He would be there today but he has a hangover.

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sosaudio t1_j85w2z3 wrote

Glen is an animal. Just a fucking legend.

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ackermann t1_j82q45i wrote

Huh, it’s a new type of concrete since the 14 engine test fire? That’s reassuring

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Reddit-runner t1_j83yht1 wrote

Apparently not.

The "special concert" was spotted still in its bags a few days ago.

The new hypothesis is that SpaceX will completely remodel the area under the launch table after the frist flight. This will include a proper deluge system and the special concert.

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Reddit-runner t1_j83yxxg wrote

In addition to what others have already said: I suspect during a proper launch SpaceX will not give 100% throttle until the rocket has at least cleared to tower.

The super heavy booster with the ship on top has a thrust to weight ratio of about 1.6. This means they can throttle down to 75% and still get the rocket off the launch table.

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