Chopsticks and Carriage Lifted Onto the Launch Tower | SpaceX Boca Chica

[@NASASpaceflight]

0:00 - Sunrise 0:34 - Skate Reinstalled on Launch Tower 1:02 - Orbital Launch Site 1:17 - Chopsticks and Carriage 1:38 - Chopsticks and Carriage Lifted 2:51 - Frankencrane + Chopsticks and Carriage Rotated 3:41 - Chopsticks and Carriage Moved Into Place 6:29 - Chopsticks and Carriage Installed on Launch Tower 7:30 - The Lift in One Unbroken Shot 8:11 - Cable Reel at the Base of the Launch Tower 8:28 - New Framing Around Booster 4's Raptor Engines 8:52 - Crews Work on the B2.1 Test Tank 9:28 - Hydraulic Actuator Moved to the Launch Site 10:21 - Stair Section Moved Next to High Bay 11:11 - Stair Sections and B2.1 Test Tank 11:54 - Wide Bay Construction

[@tylero8595]

As a plumber/gas fitter/pipe fitter with over 25 years on the tools, these tradesmen are amazing. Nothing gets done in the world without skilled trades helping, designers, engineers and dreamers build the future and our world. Amazing.

[@scottmcgahey6820]

Im a mechanical Plumber, gas fitter, pipe fitter, as well specialising in copper mainly although currently doing 316l stainless These guys at Boca are top shelf tradies 🇦🇺🤝🇺🇲👌

[@cogoid]

Hands-on skills are underrated. I think Elon is in the minority of those who really appreciate this fact.

[@Sara-L]

@@cogoid I can guarantee 99.99% of the foremen - nevermind the workers! - at Boca Chica have never seen or interacted with Elon in any capacity.

[@miroslavmilan]

@@Sara-L I would disagree with that, but ultimately we can only speculate. However, that doesn’t change the fact that he appreciates the skillset required to build these rockets and facilities. He said it in his interview/site tour with Tim Dodd, that design is overrated and engineering is underrated, where in fact the real complexity lies in actually building the stuff that someone has dreamed up.

[@smacksman]

@@Sara-L Well Elon has had some huge social bashes on site, Sara, and he is the sort of personality to walk around the guests afterwards and not like some bosses who jump in their limo and 'exit stage left'

[@Wimp_Lo_]

I cant believe this thing (the whole launch tower) is becoming a reality. This is one of those things that you would see concept art of that would never realistically be built.

[@phil4826]

Al is that you?

[@paulwilson8367]

Yeah but let’s see if it works

[@jord1215]

This is next level engineering, the fact they are gonna attempt too catch a dam rocket ship is still unbelievable

[@treavormiller9552]

It’s crazy how sane catching the booster sounds when you remember they want to catch starship with it…

[@Dreamfuture1]

As it was also impossible to think that an orbital class boaster would land back in earth on a barge in the middle of the ocean, crazy but exciting times!

[@user-vp1sc7tt4m]

Landing is the hard part. Momentary hovering is much easier. The catch mechanism will compensate. That is my theory. We will see.

[@batchint]

it's just like standing on one foot.. and juggling... simples.. however..

[@AJ-fe8om]

I hope the tin cans don’t get crushed like….

[@chucksmith465]

When I consider the logistics of getting the right equipment and materials to the places they are needed, I am amazed. When I think about the precision engineering, construction, and assembly of each element of the launch tower, high bay, and wide bay all while continuing to move forward with development and construction of the boosters and various ships, I am stunned. When I put it all together, my brain melts.

[@dylanhalbig]

Shoutout to all those amazing workers who are making this possible!

[@leehaber]

It is going to be incredible to see the catch mechanism in action!

[@runningray]

Lets go with incredible. It will be incredibly destructive, or incredibly amazing, but either way it will be incredible.

[@shanewardle832]

Excitement guaranteed 🙂

[@miroslavmilan]

I think they are going to use BN2.1 to test the catching arms. First to lift it from the ground, manipulate it into position, test the tank treads etc… then MAYBE also practice the catch procedure by short powered hops with a few engines attached.

[@paulwilson8367]

@@miroslavmilan it’s quite possible that B4 will be bypassed and they can practice with it and also bypassed S20

[@runningray]

@@miroslavmilan I have a more wild idea. I think they will be doing all the testing live on the 4/20 stack. They are not worried that they may destroy it because 5/21 is almost ready and may actually have a more complete design for the orbital test.

[@DavidKutzler]

2:38 I love the little cluster of riggers in the lower left corner all tugging the rope like a game of tug-of-war to swing the chopstick assembly as they navigate the carriage arms through the assembly stand and position it for attachment. Kudos to the riggers for an amazing job.

[@knowlegeisgood8735]

Some of those guys must have arms of steel. They kept pulling on those chains for hours!

[@gamemeh]

When they built the tower, I was like 'ok, that's impressive', 'what a structure', and now, getting it's hands and arms attached... just wow. Seeing that thing move up and down the tower.. If SpaceX have gotten this far down the road in this concept, then I am sure they are sure they can achieve what they are wanting. I have no doubts of that in fact. It's all.. starting to come together now...

[@williambeckham4656]

I wonder if they are going to use the B2.1 test tank for practicing using the catching mechanisms?

[@miroslavmilan]

I agree, I came to the same conclusion when seeing the BN2.1 today. I couldn’t think of anything it could be useful for until now. It only makes sense that they are going to use it to test the catching arms, as it has the top section from a booster. First to lift it from the ground, manipulate it into position, test the tank treads etc… but then MAYBE also practice the actual catch procedure by short powered hops. Otherwise it wouldn’t make sense to use the bottom section from a ship, if they didn’t plan to attach engines to it.

[@sluggo7]

@@miroslavmilan that thing won't be hopping. But, they need a genuine bottom configuration to fit it to the launch table.

[@lengould9262]

They'll probably "hop" it with a crane. Nothing added to learning re tower design by using engines.

[@shawndouglass2939]

@@lengould9262 that is my thoughts also😊

[@EpicSpaceflight]

These landing and catches with the chopsticks are going to be so wild to see with my own eyes while filming

[@MikeNapoli1989]

Definitely!!

[@istiles1]

A truly remarkable spectacle. Kudos to the NSF squad for their live coverage AND those filming, the perspectives were awesome. The team it took to construct and then erect the 'chopsticks' are phenoms in their own right, but a special hand has to be given to the crane crew and in particular the actual operator sitting in the seat & doing the lift, that person is just incredibly talented. Great vid y'all!

[@Garryck-1]

"The team it took to *design,* construct and then erect the 'chopsticks' are phenoms in their own right" Fixed that for ya... 😉

[@thebossman35]

Was watching live for the chopstick lift and literally as soon as the commentary stream ended I went straight to 24/7 cam. What a great time to be alive and thanks NSF team for all you do to help us be able to witness these super historic events!

[@nikospapageorgiou57]

This is how the future is shaped! Amazing engineering, never tried before!

[@spacextreme1]

SpaceX is letting the inner child of engineers speak and actually think about the ideas seriously

[@joestallings6993]

I love when you zoom in on the still photos!

[@BraveUlysses59]

I’m still trying to imagine the conversation in an engineering conference room at SpaceX. Sr. Engineer: We have to land this thing. Jr. Engineer: Let’s pull the legs off and try to catch it. Sr. Engineer: that sounds cool. Let’s give it a shot. And now, eleven months later, this thing exists. It’s amazing what they’re doing.

[@mickborneo2611]

I could stop after watching the sunrise over the ocean and still be awed. Great shots!

[@neo1theone933]

Wow! I don't usually comment on these videos I just selfishly watch and enjoy them. I'll admit I have been looking forward to this moment and, Wow! THANKS

[@InfinitiesLoop]

This is it. Every single major component of the launch site is in place. Sure, there's the new high bay, and the stairs, and a ton of detail work left to do, not to mention future plans on another tower, etc. But this is for phase 1... the only large equipment that needs to be rolled down the road from now on is boosters and ships. No more tanks, no more shells, no more tower segments. Having watched every single day, this feels like a turning point.

[@cal-native]

That crane operator deserves a helluva bonus! (same for Mary and Nic👍).

[@cogoid]

There is always intense work at the site, but it is really great to see installation of the chopsticks. Great milestone!

[@LindaMadlala]

All my life, I thought airplane landings were fascinating but this is just numbing insanity...I'll probably faint when it happens.

[@shawndouglass2939]

Yup, it's going to be mind blowing😃

[@danapeck5382]

Great videography & editing, thanks! Huge help in understanding the process involved. Also appreciate your letting the sights and sounds speak for themselves, good call on that.

[@chairman823]

Precision engineering on an epic scale.

[@BradleySkaggsNYC]

I wish Netflix was making a Drive to Survive type documentary about the building of this. It's extraordinary and being an architect, I want to hear the conversations.

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

Thanks Mary and Nic 🥰

[@ilmarinen79]

0:00 "I'll miss the sea, but a person needs new experiences. They jar something deep inside, allowing him to grow. Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. *The sleeper must awaken.* " - Duke Leto Atreides

[@kenfretwell7947]

Wots he on about

[@raseclarbac]

i still don´t "understand" how this could be real. how it´s possible to catch a rocket in the air ??? only a "genius mind" cols think something like that,.... and the complexity of this building it´s mind-blowing... the SpaceX staff is working hard to make i real, they deserve all the credits if this work

[@ben1895]

IT NEVER EVER EVER GETS OLD!

[@billreal76]

Great to watch this construction take place! Thanks! I would never be able to witness this without these videos n

[@GenWo1342]

This was awesome to watch the stream... big thanks from Germany... I follow you guys all day. It's like living there.

[@_ShaDynasty]

if they pull this off and catch the booster first try, the space race is over, they will be gods. especially when the next closest competitor cant seem to fix a stuck valve.

[@Wrangler-fp4ei]

That's fantastic they finally were able to get it on. I'd imagine they will be installing the cables from the winch system so to hold in position next. That will be a undertaking I would think.

[@oldmanstumpie1061]

Awesome coverage of the lift this morning, thanks for doing the whole lift from one angle at a time rather than switching between many different angles.

[@joejack8659]

LOL! I watched it live this morning ... yet, here I am again.

[@1teamski]

The scale of that thing is just insane.

[@emmaburgess1621]

Amazing to see all the pieces coming together. Wasn’t that long ago that Elon first tweeted about catching the booster and now the chopsticks are installed. Incredible engineering.

[@davidbolduc828]

Face it. SPACEX is the NEW APOLLO team. They have the best engineers and people in the world who aren't afraid to fail at times because they KNOW they will SUCCEED in the end if they pour their hearts and soul into the project. I haven't seen this kind of effort since the 1960's when I witnessed the first moon landing as a child.

[@Ronshaw100]

All very interesting items in the video, thank you Mary for your dedication and enthusiasm 😀 👍

[@keithplymale2374]

A major milestone for SpaceX. Truly one of the long awaited moments. As far as the tower is concerned the next major milestone will be when the chopsticks are fully attached and they start testing the system. For the launch mount it will be when all the scaffold is removed because then we know B4 and S20 launch day is soon. They cannot do the launch till all of that is removed.

[@AcapulKero]

Yeah! That puzzle is advancing fast! Almost we can see the whole picture!

[@angelinajordan5662]

Successful people don't become victorious overnight. What most people see as a glance wealth, a great career purpose is the results of hard work and hustle over time. I pray that anyone reading this will be successful in life.

[@davidanthony1876]

@@lynsiemae9587 Speaking of crypto trading, it's the best business in the world right now. Because I know a couple of friends who make a whole lot of money trading the financial market.

[@goregealex9884]

Nowadays, there are lots of brokers and to find one, it most be online, retail, trusted and reliable. So please how can I find a professional broker to trade with?

[@sedanlazarus3256]

I thought of investing in bitcoin and forex sometimes ago but I was discouraged by my friends. Please who is this Chris Sain?

[@deborahhilgert4563]

You can check him out on KZbin

[@jennylingard5989]

I have been trading offshore, and I haven't been able to earn my first $5000. What strategy does he use and how can I reach him?

[@AirGuitar]

Great video guys!

[@techman2553]

I keep having to remind myself that as crazy as the catch concept looks, that is one hell of a lot of engineering, fabrication, and cost to just "wing-it". SpaceX must have studied this concept in endless detail to commit to a design like this, and they must have enough confidence to justify the risk. Not just the risk of failure and cost to repair the tower, but the risk of delays to the Starship program if that thing gets wrecked. It's a seriously ballsy and amazing concept. They are talking about possibly catching the booster AND Starship with the chopsticks, which leaves me wondering how that is going to work with human rated flights. I can't imagine the approval process that they are going to have to go through for NASA to allow a maned Starship to be caught by a system like that.

[@knowlegeisgood8735]

This system is in my opinion safer than any other. The booster or ship are caught high above their center of gravity - very stable. SpaceX will have to land over 100 boosters and ships safely first. By then fears would have faded enough to try sending a couple of astronauts, then more. Leaving the landing to computers is a lot safer than using any human to do it. We are too slow and prone to make mistakes. With a number of computers working in parallel and reaching their decisions by a vote (to avoid a faulty computer) this is preferable.

[@theiglooarchitect9232]

Remember that SpaceX has a ton of residual value. They’ve relanded boosters with pinpoint accuracy many many times already this is essentially the same just meters off the ground.

[@princeolivier]

The final concept of these monsters will all have legs for emergency landing , but won't use them unless needed so the chopsticks will catch them to make it more efficient to be reusable in short time like they saying an hour turn around 😀

[@donaldmiller1782]

@@princeolivier In an emergency landing, the forces would be higher than a nominal landing. Ergo, the legs to survive would have to be stronger than normal. That equates to heavier than normal. That would be an unecessary weight penalty. I don't think SpaceX will put any legs on the boosters.

[@princeolivier]

@@donaldmiller1782 Fair enough but what if the mechanism on the chopsticks fail lol then they will need those legs as a just incase but we won t know until the end product 😅

[@nathancommissariat3518]

Yo yo yo guys! What an awesome, eventful day!

[@DLWELD]

Who the heck are those crane operators? Man! A swinging load like that? Amazing.

[@tymccallum2935]

The people putting together, stay safe, crazy job

[@priceringo1756]

Are the covered stairs that have been built to be stacked and placed next to the High Bay? If so, would they be there to make the High Bar meet code? As in non-elevator free escape?

[@fiodarkliomin1112]

This stairs are for stuff. For service booster

[@donjones4719]

That's the consensus on their very likely use, a public safety rated emergency route.

[@Vatsyayana87]

They have been placed inside the highbay yesterday in fact, it seems they will take up one internal corner.

[@DavidKutzler]

State and federal fire and life safety codes dictate the minimal emergency exit requirements for a public space to be certified for human occupancy. My daughter is a commercial interior designer who has to incorporate fire and life safety code requirements into all of her commercial building designs for her new and remodeling commissions.

[@shawndouglass2939]

I believe so

[@eamonstack4139]

Great video - significant moment captured perfectly. Thanks

[@2FastCars]

Let’s go, one step closer!!

[@damwalsh5588]

Can’t wait to see them test it

[@rolandkinzer3211]

Some nice made in Germany parts, thanks for the high res photos!

[@smacksman]

Good. A fine example of commercial enterprise where price and delivery, especially delivery, is king. Many foreign companies have factories in the US so you have to read the small print on every label (by law) 'Made in the USA'

[@flightofone]

Hats off to the riggers!

[@balaji-kartha]

Good editing .. showing us the same action from 3 different angles 👍

[@MrSplattyHD]

Space x should start a side construction company, never seen a team create, build and work together so efficiently, effectively and with speed.

[@simonsutherland814]

Fantastic job Guys 👍🏻

[@brandonbaillie971]

That transition of the water from fast to normal speed was 🤑🤑🤑

[@noskap]

The future is looking very bright

[@BradiKal61]

For those of us who remember waiting YEARS for NASAs plans to take shape , seeing Space X roar ahead at this pace is pretty amazing

[@Vatsyayana87]

I understand what your saying, but this has also taken years lol. Its just so much has happened in those years that it fills so much more full and worthy. Try to remember though, NASA MUST make a perfect vehicle the first time or shit hits the fan, they have 100 times the expectation and much tighter regulation as Spacex

[@rickycanady8640]

This was a great breakdown, thanks so much!

[@friendly9042]

Mechazilla's Chopsticks and Carriage CAN BE IMPROVED. This is just the first version.

[@Inimbrium]

The widebay: some assembly required. Also included: those really cheap Allen keys.

[@shawndouglass2939]

The ones that end up in the bottom of your toolbox, never to be used again??😜

[@benedictkyeremeh3878]

Good work spacex team

[@hammofficial7694]

Top view by spacex

[@LeeMooEez]

I’m really sceptical about the hugger and joint that holding the chopstick 😂 I can’t help thinking about it..the realibity and tensile strength of the part when sudden load applied,,,eventho I pretty well know everything is within calculation…and that’s why I’m really excited to see that thing in action and destroy my expectation😍😍😍😍

[@dancingdog2790]

A fine opportunity to recalibrate your intuitions! 😃

[@DarqeDestroyer]

Some people thought the stairs were for the launch site, but if they're being moved to the build area my best guess is that they are going to be attached to the High Bay to serve the rooftop bar as a fire escape. While it was only a giant rocket building shed there was no need for a fire escape, but once they put that bar up there it's a legal requirement.

[@dylanduff9645]

That's the only thing I've heard them being possibly for.

[@Selfleader420]

Baddass!!! Stay safe

[@BaffledApe]

And they laughed at 'Thunderbirds' in 1966 ;)

[@daithiosioradain3380]

Just think how this is going to increase performance/payload and turnaround because those landing legs are pretty heavy. Genius!

[@mariandragan4564]

Awesome

[@Shinybadguy]

Nic Ansuini, that is some beautiful work 😁

[@notyou1877]

Now I realize how the ancient nomads felt when they say the pyramids being build. "What are they gonna do with all those stone blocks?"

[@samiththaraka5189]

Incredible Job. Great

[@lifestyle4dividends776]

Lets goooooooooooooo!!!! 🚀🚀🚀

[@akitittonen3079]

Thank you again! Amazing video, maby one of the Best!! I like a lot!

[@AceOfSpadezCC]

Why are you guys not covering the static fire test right now? Road closes in 2 min.

[@youdaman5069]

We’ll be soon joining the Robinson family at Alpha Centuri.

[@themarvman2ut415]

First This is truly amazing and I’m still trying to comprehend the development that SpaceX starship has gone through

[@JopsYT]

This is amazing!

[@Bratfalken]

It's been a while since I watched the progress on this, do I get it right if I see the arms able to move up or down and that the wire on the spool will be used in a pulley system along with the large piston that arrived on the trailer having a bleed function that acts as a damper when catching the rocket? How about the width of the chopsticks grasp, is that gonna be adjustable to have it wider at the beginning of the catch moment? And the difference of the materials of the chopsticks compared to it's fasteners... is that just to have it withstand rocket blasts, as the parts near the tower seems much weaker... but then again, if the weight of the chopsticks and rocket is concentrated at the pertruding arm at the top of the tower through a wirepulley system then the inner parts is just guiding the system, not loadbearing. Does it show that I figured the construction out while typing? 😁

[@ThexBorg]

Yes!

[@pownder]

The day the chopstick catch will happen for thr first time will be a great day

[@XTARSAGENCY]

OHHH ITS LIFTING ITS LIFTING!

[@matthewdufty606]

Amazing 💫

[@imalex82]

I suppose the arms lock in place as I can’t see how that small cable will take a landing. Perhaps the impact cushion is contained in a shock-absorber system within the arms, but I haven’t seen anything that looks like that. That could be the hydraulic actuator seen later, but I’m not sure if it has the hydraulics installed to open and shut, and it’s likely for that. I’m also not sure why critical and large systems like that would be installed after lifting. But perhaps the cable takes the impact, who knows.

[@shivalimbu2740]

Total madness man. And here I'm jobless trying hard doing everything to provide food for my family. This is life

[@chairman823]

What's your point?

[@justlooking4202]

You should've made better choices. Take responsibility for your own actions.

[@davidb6576]

@@justlooking4202 Your parents should have made better choices. In contraception.

[@knowlegeisgood8735]

Life is hard and often unforgiving. Just keep doing the best you can and ignore those who are not being helpful.

[@justlooking4202]

@@davidb6576 Spoken like someone who's never amounted to anything in life. Imagine being angry at someone for promoting personal responsibility, I'm sure you'd be happy if I legitimized his victim mentality.

[@topsecret1837]

About time they got to lift the catching arms on the tower!

[@MadStyle1911]

Here's one for the history books once it catches.

[@830jps]

7:30 thank you for that

[@thesevenstarcreativeoutlet4300]

RIGHT before I went to bed…! THANK YOU!

[@alanblyde8502]

Man that steel is chunky 👌🇦🇺

[@thumpernats]

Space X and Bitcoin are the best things going on in the world today... who the hell thumbs down to this....

[@aaronhill3943]

I commented this during the Chopsticks Test Lift stream after someone superchat'd to ask about the stairs and if we knew what they were for, but dropping it here as well: I assume that, given the wall material similarity and the fact that (in most places) fire safety regulations require emergency stairway evacuation access that the stairway units were most likely going to be installed onto the High Bay for the rooftop bar as an emergency exit. The movement of those stairwell units today is making me more certain my hunch was right, but we will see I suppose - though I am far more excited about seeing the chopsticks in action finally!

[@Vatsyayana87]

They are being put inside the highbay. Not a guess here, i watched them go inside.

[@GreatTutorialChannel]

At 2:36 the little puppets playing tug of war with the chopsticks :)

[@alexi007]

Mechazilla largest roboric arm in the local star group. Within a radius of 10 light years.

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

Well at 4 light years out to the nearest star system that could have advanced intelligent life. 😄😁😆

[@alexi007]

@@michaeldeierhoi4096 👽👽👽 ....we are here dude....

[@datamatters8]

When you look at the Falcon 9 barge landings they all land fairly close to the center of the circle. So absent some system failure they are pretty accurate on booster placement. Assuming there is no single point of failure and that the equivalent "landing space" inside the moving catch arms (chopsticks) is as large as the barge landing circle they should should have no problem with accuracy. I think the question comes when they have multiple vehicle failures or they don't have enough fuel to reach the target (e.g. severe cross winds) will they be able to abort into the ocean to avoid loss to the launching pad? They have redundancy in the engines and I presume in the control systems and sensors so they should be ok except for a major fuel leak and fire but if that is detected early enough they can abort to the ocean. That leaves a major structural failure late in the descent. If the descent flight profile is over the ocean then they can wait on final landing commit until the last 60 seconds or less. All in all seems like a good bet after they get a few ocean landings under their belt to prove out the structure under the stress of launch and descent. I think the biggest unknown is how many tiles can they lose on Starship before the heat undermines the structure in such a way that the ship breaks in the last minute after final landing commit. I expect they have done a ton of fluid dynamics simulations with tile loss variations to scope out the problem. Then with thermal cameras inside the ship they can estimate fatal heat damage that might result in loss of vehicle and then abort to the ocean to save the pad. Once it is human rated though can they do a safe ocean landing with people on board?

[@knowlegeisgood8735]

The landing maneuver includes a sideways movement off a trajectory that would be at sea. So if any system fails that would cause a danger to the site that movement stops and the booster ends up at sea. Starships don't break down during the last minute, they do that very high up over sea. By the time they are within the part of the belly flop where they have to decide if they should abort or not they have nothing to worry about concerning the heat shields. Btw, by putting your comment as one single paragraph it is very hard to read.

[@datamatters8]

@@knowlegeisgood8735 Thanks for the info. Do you think they will do the flip maneuver over the ocean and then move laterally to the landing zone? Even if they don't have enough fuel for that once they do enough tests / improvements to prove the reliability of the flip it's probably low risk. re: paragraphs...good point. I added a couple of breaks. Thanks. I do wonder how many tests they will do of the catch system to iron out any assembly and design bugs in the mechanism and the control system? I imagine they could use the crane with a test article. Do you think they can roll the vehicle with enough precision so it has the right orientation for the catch? Silly question really since they must have a solution for this.

[@knowlegeisgood8735]

@@datamatters8 The starships will not be caught by the arms for some time to come. First they need to make sure the boosters can do it safely. After that they might start catching ships too. The flip maneuver is done seconds before landing, so it has to be over the tower. Which sets very hard limits on the process. It will be much harder than landing boosters. The number of tests depends on a large number of factors and the number of failures. That is why they have to do these real-life tests to find out. Cost could also set some limits, but I hope not too much.

[@eduardogardin879]

I think the difficulty is in catching those tiny lifting points. Falcon has a lot of area between the legs

[@kevinkrammer8077]

At least the booster will always come in from the ocean side. It launches toward the ocean and doesn't do a full trip around the Earth

[@YouNeverComeCloser]

so widebay has just started to grow vertically :)

[@mumblinge5892]

I would love to see an explanation of how the carriage skate system works, in particular the weight/load transfer between it and the tower column(s).

[@donaldmiller1782]

The carriage has a large shackle on it which will be attached to the hoist rope (wire cable). The static load of the carriage and arms transfers to a rotational force pressing the lower end of the carriage (below the shackle) into the tower column. The two carriage arms are also pressed into the two columns they are surrounding. The skates on the arm ends roll up and down those columns, no vertical forces on them, all horizontal forces are taken on the skates (lower arm presses away from the launch table, upper arm pulls on the other side of the column toward the launch table). The upper part of the carriage spine where the shackle is would have a rotational force away from the column, but being suspended from the upper hoist pulley and constrained by both arms holding onto their columns it can't pull away from the column. As the catch arms open and close there will be smaller lateral forces which will be resisted by the ends of the arms on each of their columns.

[@mumblinge5892]

@@donaldmiller1782 Very interesting. Thank you. It looked like there was a slot running up the side of the column. Does part of the skate system go inside that slot? Could the action of the skates rolling up and down the columns cause wear on the columns and if so how is that compensated for? Thanks again.

[@donaldmiller1782]

@@mumblinge5892 I think you are referring to the rail running vertically most of the length of the columns. The rails stick out, not in (ie, it's not a slot). Yes, the skates have four rollers which roll along the left and right sides of the rails, and many rollers which run over the face of the rails. Since they are rolling not sliding, there should not be much wear. (Think of train wheels on train tracks).

[@vinayakam3732]

Still wondering how they got this idea. And they are implementing it. This is so amazing. Can't wait to see how it works. ❤️

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

The idea for catching the booster and evolved because it was the only option left to avoid landing the rockets with the necessary landing gear.

[@WM3636-d1c]

That B2.1 tank confuses me, what could it be used for? They are adding stringers on now, which are there for structural support. Are they going to place that on the OLM and test the chopsticks ability to stack a starship on top?

[@edwardrosier1805]

That’s what I’m thinking.

[@wheeze_sanchez]

I think it's pretty curious too. It seems like they have some use for it because they've modified it after it's last tests. I'm definitely not sure, but I'm guessing that your guess isn't it. You want to practice like you are going to play, so I don't see the utility of stacking anything other than an actual Starship protoype, which they have laying around. One of those Starbase mysteries we'll probably one day solve

[@squishybrain]

I wonder if they will outfit it with engines and then do a practice hop into the chopssticks.

[@WM3636-d1c]

@@squishybrain I don't think so, that would require many more cryo and static fire tests and also complete reprogramming and alignment of it. It would just be too much effort I think.

[@christianhenderson5471]

@@WM3636-d1c I would suspect at first they will just dangle it from a crane while they dial in the ( optical?) Arm positioning hardware. From there they can try dangling a water filled tank until they get to the weight of a full size booster - after that they can try sn15 or sn16 ( after mods)