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Questions tagged [launchpad]

Questions regarding vertical rocket launch platforms and facilities in their immediate vicinity supporting final preparations for a rocket launch.

2 votes
0 answers
149 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 ...
Volker Siegel's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
132 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 ...
TRK's user avatar
  • 199
5 votes
1 answer
451 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 ...
Volker Siegel's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
172 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 ...
TRK's user avatar
  • 199
3 votes
1 answer
234 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?
TRK's user avatar
  • 199
5 votes
1 answer
199 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 ~...
Andykins 's user avatar
6 votes
0 answers
148 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?
BDA's user avatar
  • 61
7 votes
1 answer
592 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 ...
Ludo's user avatar
  • 14.5k
-1 votes
1 answer
157 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 ...
Starship's user avatar
  • 3,746
-1 votes
1 answer
245 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 ...
Starship's user avatar
  • 3,746
5 votes
1 answer
128 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?
RonaldObserves's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
201 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 ...
usernumber's user avatar
  • 5,098
5 votes
1 answer
438 views

Is the Ariane 5 rolled out or is the hangar moved away?

Ariane 5 rockets (like the one carrying the JWST) are assembled upright in a hangar, but during the launch (obviously) the hangar is no longer around the rocket. Does the Ariane 5 roll out of the ...
usernumber's user avatar
  • 5,098
7 votes
1 answer
619 views

Location of crawler/transporter during launch

Is the crawler-transporter still in place underneath the mobile launch platform during the launch?
Lee Fairbanks's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
269 views

How is the Mechazilla 'claw' on the Starship Launch Tower different from earlier launch tower connections?

Launch towers have various umbilicals, arms, and stabilizers connected to a rocket prior to launch. How is the Mechazilla 'claw' on the Starship Launch Tower different from the earlier launch tower ...
Dan Sorensen's user avatar
  • 3,581

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