Space and Science BS Thread

https://x.com/spacex/status/1757623502289686797?s=46

 

Good morning from the Shuttle Landing Facility...

 

...what's the largest tire you can put on a space shuttle without cutting?

 

Speaking of the Shuttle:
https://x.com/airandspace/status/1757800652493799461?s=46

 

https://x.com/spacex/status/1757880623115714837?s=46

 

Interesting how much higher Enterprise sits. Obviously wasn't an orbital vehicle and only used for captive & glide tests. I'm assuming the CGs were essentially the same between it and Columbia but I'd think short of ballast, it'd have been significantly lighter. Does anyone know what it's dry mass is/was compared to Columbia pre glass cockpit? And whether ballast was added to more closely mimic the expected characteristics of an orbital upon aerodynamic flight?

 

https://x.com/spacex/status/1758022464326840739?s=46

 

https://youtu.be/ZIisBG3NV8Y?si=bxp-pQ-2oIW0-aJ9

Very good explanation, as always, from Zach.

 

Endeavor being prepped for its new launch position at the California Science Center with real rocket boosters and external tank. Took my daughter there a couple weeks ago, this was as close as we could get. Was still cool to see and my daughter loved it.

 

That's so cool! I watched the live stream of them lifting Endeavor into the building, but I can't imagine how cool it would be to BE there! It boggles my mind that they have to build the building addition around the orbiter stack.

 

Starship to SLC-37?

https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/

https://x.com/alexphysics13/status/1758462685690151151?s=46

 

X people were talking about actively trying to take over 37 a year ago, not surprised at all. 37 used to have an A and B side so the complex is massive and right on the ocean. It's a beautiful location.

 

https://x.com/NASA_Astronauts/status/1758635500867579947?s=20

 

Smooooth...
https://x.com/webflite/status/1758637613215592621?s=20

 

New tech successfully tests out
https://x.com/int_machines/status/1758677812217545020?s=46

 

Not surprising. Whether they use it for transcontinental hops or bigger orbital payloads they’ll want to keep it under wraps using more secure facilities.

 

https://x.com/int_machines/status/1758899202174685589?s=46

 

https://x.com/mastronomers/status/1759201704753439096?s=46

 

Anyone know if they used fondag on the triangular roof? If not I don’t think they’ll be pulling the braces out from underneath for several weeks. Cantilevered roof structures need to reach full cure before then.

 

Was waiting for this. Much appreciation for Zack/CSI Starbase and Ryan Hansen. Awesome video and worth the lengthy watch.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIisBG3NV8Y
It does make me wonder if the hot stage is truly worth it given the massive weight of the interim stage(9 tons) and additional ship false floor shielding(? tons). They seem to eat up much of the presumed payload gains. That additional weight is only necessary due to the reusability requirement so it’s not directly comparable to previous hot staging successes. It also contradicts “the best part is no part” philosophy.