[Part 2] The Real Reason Behind Delays to Starship Orbital Test Flight

In part 2 of this deep dive investigation we will be examining and extremely important feature of the Orbital Launch Mount which we believe has never been used. This is a critical component in preventing explosions during engine testing.
Warning: This is a rare time where conclusions drawn in this investigation should be taken as 100% speculation. We can not verify this information without acknowledgement from SpaceX. This an ongoing investigation, so as the situation develops we will continue to provide updates!
0:00 Welcome
0:59 Part 1 Refresher
6:36 What is a flame arrestor?
10:59 Why is the flame arrestor needed?
22:20 Flame Arrestor Upgrades
27:16 Revisiting Booster 3 Static Fire
33:17 Performance Data Collection
39:09 Episode Conclusion
Sources:
Elmac Technologies Flame Arrestor Explanation:
• Flame Arresters & The ...
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Last but not least I want to give HUGE SHOUTOUT to the entire CSI Starbase team on discord. This dedicated team of 100+ agents with specialties ranging all across the board, has been crucial in getting the most accurate info for these episodes. Couldn't do it without yal!

[@uritamminga1]

Wow awesome stuff again! And along with all of the detailed knowledge and information I also appreciate your method of storytelling. Really draws us up to the punchline in an exciting way. I’m also comforted because sometimes I get the feeling that SpaceX is floundering right now. But your vid’s always reveal that they’re not floundering, they’re just having to solve a huge number of significant problems that are very difficult for most people to notice and understand. Thanks for your work!

[@CSIStarbase]

THank you! A lot of folks don’t like it but comments like these is why I will probably never change my style!

[@uritamminga1]

@@CSIStarbase Thanks Zack, glad to be an encouragement!

[@andy_byrd]

Zack, in a 100% oxygen environment, you can light that stainless steel on fire with enough heat/pressure. The flame arrestors are likely made from Monel which will not easily burn even in 100% oxygen. They are also called Monel Stops and are very common in GOX systems. They aren't typically found in LOX systems as the cryo temps will usually put out any fire that could start inside the pipe.

I have tons of respect for the work you're doing here. It's just incredible how much detail you're able to pack into a video like this, and still, make time fly by as we watch. Keep up the good work Zack!

[@BlueZirnitra]

The starship project is providing some wonderful youtube startups.m Thankful I discovered this but I'm not surprised its growing in influence.

[@isaacamante4633]

Legal te ver aqui!

[@ccbcco]

It would help if there were some chapter markers for such a long stretch of densely informative footage.

[@ccbcco]

@Anne Frank Vape Pen Yawn! Even if true - so what.

[@reeseprice82]

@Anne Frank Vape Pen Who wrote it? You?

[@scottwheeler2494]

The amount of thought and effort that you and your team put into each episode is simply amazing! I suspect it is almost as hard to "CSI" these systems as it was to design them in the first place. Even once you noodle them out you still have to figure out a way to present the information so that an idiot like me can understand it. Stunning work. Thank you for your hard work!

[@CSIStarbase]

Turning it into a story is definitely the most difficult part

[@ccbcco]

@@CSIStarbase You did a fantastic job. Super Heavy is fundamentally a multi-megaton explosion just waiting to happen. The only issue is whether the explosion is controlled or uncontrolled, and the degree of collateral damage. Here's some riveting "story drama" for ya: A-Boca Chica tank farm storage and/or fully loaded Starship contain 2400 tons of LNG. B-2400 tons of LNG = 23.5 KILOTONS of explosive power IN REGULAR ATMOSPHERE - NOT EVEN CONSIDERING THE PRESENCE OF THE LOX ACCELERANT. C-By comparison - Hiroshima =15 KILOTONS of explosive power. D-So, when you add in the pure LOX accelerant, you've GOT to be talking at least 2X the explosive power of Hiroshima in the event of catastrophic Super Heavy failure. Not trivial. Instant story drama.

[@Grahamese]

As the man says “The best part is no part”

[@matthewlee2424]

Each vid you produce is denser and more thoughtful than the last. i paused this so many times just to think about what you had said. You really are critically thinking here. Also, and I hope this doesnt offend others, but of all the youtubers I see reporting on Starship progress (who by the way do a very good and entertaining job), its so clear that not only do you have an engineering background but years of experience to draw on. It takes a lot of studying and maths to end up having an intrinsic grasp of physics in action and once gained, it never leaves you. You see life through the lens of physics rulesets and that comes across really clearly in your presentations. Lastly, Im really happy you have eased down on the skits. Throwaway jokes are awesome, as is some of the self-referencing of you and other contributors, but the videos just have so much more gravitas now. As another commenter has said, you went from unknown to someone whos words many other large platformed youtubers should pay very close attention to before releasing a video, lest they make themselves look a bit daft. You are going to be huge Zack, once you get the secret sauce of depth of information, presentation, production quality and joking dialled in. Your vids are just as much an engineering masterpiece as the OLM.

[@CSIStarbase]

Damn. I had to screen shot this one so I can save it for later. Thank you 🙏🏾. This means a lot!

[@Brians0898]

What a sweet intro.

[@CSIStarbase]

Thanks! We try to change it up everytime

[@mouser58907]

The pacing of these videos is just so good. It's fast enough to keep your attention but not too fast that you can't keep up.

[@CSIStarbase]

THanks Craig!!!

[@JoeTegtmeyer]

Hey Zack … great job again! I really appreciate the engineering focused approach with great care to use facts where known and identifying where informed speculation is used. I know it’s not easy and takes a lot of time and effort, particularly with the great visuals and illustrations. Thank you and keep up the fantastic efforts!

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you. A lot of people don't like speculation. So its hard to present it the correct way

[@JoeTegtmeyer]

@@CSIStarbase I know that well, but you do a great job!

[@zainulzainab4762]

My favorite starship content. its so interesting that 40 - 60 mins videos feels like 10 mins. love from Nigeria

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you!

[@lordcraycray2921]

The amount of research completed for these episodes is insane. Amazing work, amazing graphics. I think that it mostly appeals to hardcore fans / engineers, but the amount of quality content is amazing!

[@davidjhyatt]

I like that you are so open to discussing points of disagreement. I really like your channel and think you and your team are doing a great job covering and explaining what is happening at Starbase! Keep it up!

[@B0tch0]

Your videos are excellent. You went from unknown, to best source of information, within a single video. Besides picture updates, I would consider your the most talented starship enthousiast 😊

[@CSIStarbase]

Wow. Thank you! That means a lot

[@andrewcarter1599]

Hard to imagine anyone better to do this reporting. You and your team have great knowledge and expertise and obsession to open source info to make these insights!

[@CSIStarbase]

THank you!!! That means a lot

[@sudokujunkie4586]

Don't underestimate yourself. The rapid, information dense, graphic assisted delivery along with those "Hey, wait a minute..." pacing breaks makes a 40+ minute video easy to consume. You don't need to be an "addict" to enjoy your videos. Well scripted. Well produced. Well performed. Be proud S0Z. Also, I cannot imagine how much time you must have spent looking at vids and pics of the OLM.

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you! Nice to hear that some people see it that way

[@rocketman1969]

Wow!! This episode has to be one of the coolest episodes thus far! Between the flame arresters, vortex, and renovations, I enjoyed and learned a lot from this one. Keep it up man, can't wait for part 3!! :D

[@CSIStarbase]

Thanks!

[@Rightin02]

Wouldn't it be prudent to have additional flame arrestors downstream? Imagine a scenario where one of the arrestors near the QD is compromised. Once again an amazing video! This is clearly the best dedicated stage zero channel. Keep up the great work!

[@CSIStarbase]

I've been thinking this as well. The problem is, all of it is buried underground. So if it wasn't there from the start, it would be difficult to add later

[@robjchristopher]

Another brilliant episode - your ability to present technical information in an easily digestible format is to be admired!

[@DaveInPA2010]

I love your step-by-step analysis! In addition to the science and engineering, you also teach good critical thinking and communications skills, and are an inspiration to young techies everywhere!

[@CSIStarbase]

THank you!!

[@cantordougramsay]

Zach, you are a force of nature! The attention to minute detail, research, and engineering expertise is obvious in all your videos, but you also manage to frame the problem and solutions (or possible solutions) in an easy to follow format. Your analyses are thorough, concise, and fascinating. Keep up the expert videos! We are all vastly more informed (and probably even more geeked out) by your work!

[@alexanderalvarado9675]

I am absolutely baffled at the depth of analysis you do on this topic. You have some extremely convincing and well thought out speculations! Bravo.

[@oompah_your_dupa]

Another episode leaving me totally floored at your abilities to deduce this information but also present it so it’s easy to understand. Also really appreciate that you avoid any sensationalism and are honest about what is highly speculative.

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@noted33]

Your ability to clearly explain complex engineering concepts to a general audience is impressive! Thank you for creating these helpful videos.

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@officialwildcardadventures]

Your videos are very thorough and insightful to those of us wishing to learn more. Please keep up the great work. 🙏💯

[@glassesstapler]

i'm only a Mobile Sanitation & Recycling Engineer, but from the looks of it, this is going to be a fireworks show with a side of brush fire

[@alanalanapurim1779]

. . . All postings, whether for KZbin or elsewhere, need to have a DATE accompanying the title, formatted yyyy-mm-dd, e.g. 2023-03-17 for Green launches.

[@kstaxman2]

You are certainly the most detailed and technically reliable channel out there right now. Great job following some real tought changes taking place. The engineering SpaceX has done over the last year is truly amazing. Understanding it from the sidelines is a feat almost as difficult.

[@jeffjames3111]

As a long time space enthusiast who knows the work of 99% of space youtubers, I have one word: Impressive.

[@CSIStarbase]

Thanks! I used to write for Marcus House as well. He mentions my name semi frequently. A lot more when I was one of his writers though.

[@averagejoe8255]

You are a profoundly intuitive engineer. Great job young man.

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you

[@ashtorak]

Did KZbin eat my comment? Anyway, great episode and thanks for the shout out! 😀 I think, your speculations are well grounded!

[@clark3352]

Yes go into further details into the workings of a raptor 2 engine!

[@brennandegen7050]

A special deep dive into the raptor 2 engines would be AWESOME!!!!

[@danielcarlson8386]

Tim would be proud of the quality. ❤️❤️❤️

[@dermatologymiami]

Oh my gosh I cannot leave the time and detail you have spent on this production very well done. SpaceX and Elon need you

[@iiimtw111]

I'm speechless of the amount of attention to detail you have. I am really thankful that your high quality awesome enriching videos are free to watch, I wouldn't be mad if they were exclusives tbh. I really can't describe how awesome your content is!!! Really worth the wait!

[@de-bodgery]

This was your best video yet! Damn dude! The stuff you see and figure out...impressive! I am glad to see the absence of "story time" in this video. Probably other people gave you similar feedback about this as I have in the past. AFAIK, your channel is the BEST when it comes to the infrastructure and digging out the details of how things work. I saw the flame arrestor in the past too and had no clue what it was. I didn't even notice that it had been removed. Good job!

[@CSIStarbase]

Everything is a story lol. I haven’t changed my style. I just adjust it as needed for specific topics.

[@DerkMiester]

Green screen shots are looking so much better! I learned a lot in this one!

[@Davidcueball]

You are by far the best guy to get informative updates on SpaceX. Keep up the great work.

[@CSIStarbase]

Wow. Thank you! Definitely appreciate comments like those.

[@jwortman1984]

You don’t need methane mixed with O2 to have a fire in an O2 pipe. O2 piping can and will burn…the fuel is the pipe.

[@CSIStarbase]

This is very true. I did consider this as a possibility

[@donald4munro]

Another informative well-done video, Zach! Can't wait for Part 3!!!!

[@matthodel946]

I'm sorry for your loss and tribute in the beginning frames, losing people is horrible. On a positive note, I love your show! Happy Holidays to you and your family Zack. Keep it real like you always do sir.

[@JustinHubertus]

Better then any movie. With every episode i´m more and more in aw for the following day, that brings more progress in de starship programm. Big Thanks for your Work here, i recommended you in my diary, that possible one day my grandchildren will read and come back to this episode. So hi grandchildren haha

[@georgejenkins6275]

Sir, Your knowledge and the manner in which dissect a very complex subject is totally phenomenal !! Thank you so much for your knowledge as well as most especially for teaching your subscribers (me!) About a very complex piece of equipment. Sir, you are two steps about everyone else as deeply appreciated by this man and be aware there are tons of others who benefit from your knowledge, hard work and most especially your intuition. I thank you so much, Sir !! Good luck with your channel, it is beyond stunning what you produce !! Again, thank you !! It matters !!

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you! I definitely appreciate that.

[@danoosterhous4933]

Shielding next, yes!

[@toddbernal2183]

Another amazing episode!!! You will want to watch this more then once! You will get more every time you watch it because it's soooo full of information!!!! Great work csi starbase and agents!!!!!!!!

[@mcctravel]

I’m incredibly impressed with this production. Although speculative, you give thoughtful analysis. Greatly appreciate your insight. Thanks!

[@CSIStarbase]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@maxv9464]

Would love to see a Q and A!

[@ProPlayer013youtube]

Amazing Video! Cant wait for part 3!

[@CSIStarbase]

It might be a while..but its coming. I have to do a few others first

[@artbycarlgookins]

This is one of the most exciting growing channels I have ever subscribed to. Amazing work.

[@Matthew-lh3zy]

Checking in from Canada. Thank you for another superb video

[@markrevels1]

Great video. My brain is full at the moment.

[@joee1325]

Great! very though and well produced. Keep up the good work CSI team!

[@badrinair]

What an incredible capture and explanations of all the fine details. Well done Zack. The vortex that appeared on the cooling points it could be because of the hot air that has already risen up and the air from the surrounding area is flowing right in and getting sucked upwards . respect to the with you are doing man.

[@mikehenning1791]

Great video as always always looking forward to the next deep dive keep it up brother

[@TexanMiror2]

Amazing video and analysis. Im looking forward to the next!

[@b97209]

Great work. It will take a couple of viewings to absorb all this content. Thank you.

[@louisvisagie283]

Thanks for another great deep dive on stage 0. Can't wait for part 3.

[@Jay-qs1ef]

excellent video as always, keep up the great work

[@astrojoe]

Awesome and informative as usual Zack, thanks!

[@LeWebslinger]

Finally!!!! I was waiting this video from the release of the first one

[@aaronmorse9071]

The real question here should be.. How do you only have 30k followers? Excellent work!

[@chrismartin2001AD]

best spacex content on youtube. Awesome stuff!

[@nickfosterxx]

Top episode, really great scripting, editing and production. Hats off to you. Again.

[@CSIStarbase]

Thanks a ton!

[@cipedead0777]

Love the deep dives. Thank you to you and your team.

[@makespace8483]

Very informative and engaging, even at 43 minutes!

[@paddyjohnstone4744]

Great job Zack Very complicated systems explained logically and understandable Keep up this style

[@truegret7778]

Well done! As a recently retired engineer (with a tiny bit of rocketry experience in the 80s with a startup, AMROC), I really appreciate your thorough and entertaining style. Just subscribed. Having also been a process engineer (solar panel industry), and working with Silane, the term deflagration brought back memories.

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you!

[@scottlymbery7948]

Mate another great video!! Loving ya work!

[@DanaOredson]

Man, I love your content. This is awesome!

[@rad3676]

Wow, just found you today. What a great deep dive. I will be deep diving into your past videos....

[@jaredmundi3599]

Dude well done. I'm such a nerd for details and the work you're doing is ticking all my boxes. Thanks! a well deserved sub.

[@CSIStarbase]

Awesome, thank you!

[@friendo760]

Any errors in your presentation are likely to be close to the accurate mark. Excellent work Zack.

[@kenbecker6655]

WoW, just wow. Great stuff, Thanks

[@CartFPV]

You deserve 1 mill keep up the hard work man! Amazing detailed content

[@TheVillageIdiotUk]

An impressive thesis, every bit as complex and well engineered as it’s subject matter. Well done fella.

[@stevecoates3799]

Great stuff Zack, yeah, we would really like to understand the engine start-up details!

[@williamlambdin9817]

Best and most detailed explanation and analysis of all things Starship. Your work is so good. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you!

[@Dromfel]

perfect as always, your videos are THE best

[@royjacobs45]

Quality episode once again! Long time follower and this might be one of your best, keep it up my man!

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you!

[@darkskin84]

Well done ZacK and my condolences to your lost one! 🙏🏾

[@charleslord2433]

Great job, Zack!!

[@stanley8487]

Great vid, Sir. Well done

[@ragaloft]

Respect. 🙏Thank you so much for your enormous contribution to our understanding of this marvel of engineering.

[@jimmatasovsky9813]

Excellent insight! Keep up the great work!

[@rubeng357]

You Have the best KZbin Chanel. This is one of the very best DOCUMENTALS I ever seen

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you!!

[@richardstansbury7847]

Unbelievable Zach and team keep up the good work 👍

[@corey1190]

Awesome work! Thank you! Love your style

[@chrislyon7147]

Your analysis is considered, knowledgeable and reasoned. A magnificent addition to the partisan analysis from many other sources. Excellent! please keep it up.

[@brennandegen7050]

Your videos are so informative and certainly my favorite in the SpaceX/Starship news cycle. Can't wait for the next episode.

[@gregmcpheoge3598]

Kudos! Another awesome dissection of probable engineering. Thanks for all the work you do!

[@webbtrekker534]

Another well made, well thought out and presented episode. Always a pleasure to see what you have to say!

[@john-pauljones878]

Broken down beautifully. Just subscribed

[@julianrichards8337]

Another great deep dive and investigation. Thank you 🙂🙂

[@Cainexavier]

You are awesome, Zack!

[@fessit]

Again, great video!

[@bcatcher334]

Just subscribed. Love your explanations! Great job!

[@CSIStarbase]

Thanks and welcome

[@porroapp]

I'm learning so much from your videos!!!

[@iwayini]

Great Video Zach. I learnt a lot and complexity of the launch mount is just incredible. Thank you for making these videos. Greetings from the UK.

[@truhartwood3170]

Dude, this is Scotty (from startrek) meets Sherlock Holmes. Huge respect for your sleuthing. I can't imagine the hours of work needed to do this level of research as well the pruduction quality of the video. Hats off sir!

[@CSIStarbase]

Thank you, on average it takes about 4 hours per minute of video.

[@truhartwood3170]

@@CSIStarbase I believe it! It shows!

[@kewltune4683]

Dang Zack, your channel is a shiny gem for us armchair rocket scientists! =)

[@lerk.]

I'd consider the outer engine QDs a hard connection. You can see clamps on the right image at 11:24, those would lock behind the edges of the component in the left picture.

[@makeitwork583]

Hey, I’m pretty new to your channel, but impressed I am. I really enjoyed this video! Be well.