I've created a web game inspired by the upcoming SpaceX Mechazilla's booster catch, happening on Oct 13th. Check it out and try landing the booster yourself at https://t.co/ZGehc2og83 👀 #mechazillaio#SpaceX#mechazilla#starship#IndieGame#gamedev
WE CAME 5TH!!! WE ARE THE BIGGEST INDEPENDENT PARTY IN LONDON, PEOPLE PUT MILLIONS INTO THEIR CAMPAIGNS AND WE BEAT THEM WITH VIBES! BIG UP EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED AND BIG UP THE NDL #NikoForMayor
In a turn of events, the #SuperHeavy B14.1 test article was lifted onto the #Starship Orbital Launch Mount (OLM) using a crane instead of using the tower arms in conjunction with some tests related to catch hardware certification. It appears that #SpaceX may have a different use for B14.1 in mind.
Recently, a hose was spotted connecting B14.1 to hardware within the Booster Quick Disconnect (BQD). It is believed that this will allow SpaceX to pressure B14.1 to simulate the tank wall rigidity of a full booster in flight. This may lead to a test involving closing the #Mechazilla tower arms around a 9m cylindrical body to calibrate their swing motion.
As previously observed, the tower arms have had some difficulty coming to a stop without excessive swinging due to their mass and inertia while moving at high speeds. This motion will need to be characterized and accounted for while the arms close around a Super Heavy booster during catch attempts. B14.1 may be the perfect booster stand-in because it removes the risk of damaging a flight booster.
Congratulations and a huge thank you to our extraordinary @SpaceX team!
Successful Super Heavy launch and landing, “orbital” ship (that’s one tough cookie!) entry, engine relight and splashdown. I hope you enjoyed the views, the music and see you back soon for our next flight!
Despite loss of many tiles and a damaged flap, Starship made it all the way to a soft landing in the ocean!
Congratulations @SpaceX team on an epic achievement!!