SpaceX Orbital Launch Facility Construction Update 18 Jul 21

Here I walk through the update of my model of the SpaceX Boca Chica construction schedule. I think they'll be looking at around 30September as the launch date. Still a lot to get through and really wish I did have more information about the actual design and schedule they are working to.

[@djkamilo66]

I don't agree much about the umbilical swing arm, I believe that would introduce another process that will slow down the launch cadence, need human interaction and lower the overall reliability of the system. Starship already has a quick disconect in the bottom for in orbit refueling, wich is indispensable for the whole system to work, so the right way to fuel the ship would be to have a quick disconect on the booster and feed the fuel through the booster, that would eliminate a lot of parts and a lot of steps, and can very well be easily automated.

[@darrinkinney2268]

I'm clueless. Could be the top hoist structure. We'll all find out in the next few weeks

[@vaporcobra]

@@darrinkinney2268 Until we see insulated piping being installed to or on the tower, I think it's safe to assume that the yellow tube structure is one of the tower arms that will function like a rocket elevator/crane and simultaneously steady Starships and boosters during stacking. If you've seen those smaller prefabricated black structures that look a lot like crane trusses, I'd say those have a better chance of being some kind of swinging umbilical arm, though I'm personally doubt that SpaceX won't just fuel Starship through Super Heavy (in spite of RGV's claim)

[@darrinkinney2268]

And we are now seeing some piping and have a new name. QD arm. Totally awesome watching this unfold in real time