The launch pad is more than just a piece of infrastructure, it’s the first contact point between Earth and the cosmos.
But what happens when the liftoff doesn’t go as planned? In the past, SpaceX faced serious challenges due to launch pad damage.
The launch pad, exposed to violent energy during takeoff, is a subject to immense strain. Prolonged use, and unexpected events, led to cracks, deterioration, and eventually, significant launch delays.
Consider the Starship launch from April 20th – a momentous day in the history of SpaceX that grabbed headlines worldwide. While the rocket’s journey into the sky was undeniably fascinating, there was another story unfolding just as dramatically, right at the base of the rocket.
When the Starship’s powerful Raptor engines ignited, directing thousands of pounds of thrust downward, the launch pad was the silent barrier, absorbing this incredible force. Following the event, SpaceX teams conducted a thorough inspection and found that the launch pad had suffered significant damage. It was a wake-up call to the extreme forces at work during each launch and a stark reminder of the unglamorous yet crucial role the launch pad plays.
SpaceX found itself in a precarious position – finding a solution was not just important, but critical to keep the pace in the race to space.
Elon Musk, the visionary founder of SpaceX, was aware of the gravity of the situation. He and his team set out to find a solution that could weather the storm of a rocket’s fiery departure.
Elon Musk said that SpaceX was working for the past three months to make a water cooled steel plate that will protect the ground and launch site the 33 Raptor engines of the Starship rocket.
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