Anonymous 04/21/2023 (Fri) 16:10 Id: f10668 No.126795 del
It's becoming clear that the design of the launch pad contributed to yesterday's Starship launch having to self-destruct.
Post launch pictures showing stage zero reveal that ALL the super-hardened concrete was GONE from under the launch pad.
There are videos of big splashes in the ocean at launch from the concrete being tossed everywhere. I estimate the water to be at least 500 yards away.
I think it is a good guess that most of the engine failure was due to flying debris. I wonder if they will rethink using a flame tunnel?
Musk estimated another launch "in several months". That does not leave much time for a complete stage zero redesign.
Also, a few heat tiles on the reentry vehicle were missing at the time we expected stage separation. That definitely has to be fixed.