Starship Orbital Prototype - Texas Version

[e-FTW]

Figured this vehicle might benefit from its own thread. Thoughts?

More here: SpaceX BFS : Phase 2 - Starship Orbital Prototype(s) - Photos and Updates

Chris B - NSF on Twitter

 

[RDoc]

I'm really impressed by the professional finish and precision workmanship.

 

[adiggs]

Hey! Some foil tape'll clean up those lines right quick.

 

[ecarfan]

It’s difficult for me to grasp the idea that what SpaceX is building, out in the open, looking like that, is going to reach orbit. It certainly is an unorthodox approach to building an orbital-class rocket.

 

[e-FTW]

It’s difficult for me to grasp the idea that what SpaceX is building, out in the open, looking like that, is going to reach orbit. It certainly is an unorthodox approach to building an orbital-class rocket.

You think? Lol

But, this also reminds me of these guys: https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/13/hypersciences-hypersonic-test-crowdfunding/
Unconventional approach, using things not specifically designed for space, turning conventions on their heads (literally)...

 

[e-FTW]

Some pics of progress on the orbital water tower: Chris B - NSF on Twitter

 

[Beeroclock]

 

[Watts_Up]

I'm really impressed by the professional finish and precision workmanship.

According to Detroit engineering consultant Sandy Munro, “the gaps in this car – you can see ’em from Mars.”

 

[ecarfan]

Some pics of progress on the orbital water tower: Chris B - NSF on Twitter

Obviously I am not a rocket engineer so I don’t understand the construction process SpaceX is using to build this first orbital prototype.

Are they welding together sections of the exterior skin with the internal supporting structure in place but we just can’t see it?

I don’t see how they could weld the skin sections together without something inside to ensure that the dimensions were precisely right.

It is freakin’ amazing to watch the first Starship being built outdoors in plain sight. It contradicts everything I have ever seen about rocket construction. Is it possible because modern stainless steel is so incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion?

 

[sandpiper]

Obviously I am not a rocket engineer so I don’t understand the construction process SpaceX is using to build this first orbital prototype.

Are they welding together sections of the exterior skin with the internal supporting structure in place but we just can’t see it?

I don’t see how they could weld the skin sections together without something inside to ensure that the dimensions were precisely right.

It is freakin’ amazing to watch the first Starship being built outdoors in plain sight. It contradicts everything I have ever seen about rocket construction. Is it possible because modern stainless steel is so incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion?

There is no bloody way that this is intended to be an orbital ship. It must be a high altitude hopper. I've seen museum V2s that are fabricated with better fit and finish.

 

[ecarfan]

There is no bloody way that this is intended to be an orbital ship.

I believe Elon recently tweeted that the Starship currently under construction at Boca Chica — the one we can all see — was the first “orbital prototype”. Whatever that means.

 

[sandpiper]

I believe Elon recently tweeted that the Starship currently under construction at Boca Chica — the one we can all see — was the first “orbital prototype”. Whatever that means.

If that thing goes to orbit, then the whole Star Trek first contact - Cochrane warp ship built in a barn scenario seems a lot more plausible.

Or maybe the intent is that it goes to orbit and comes back down in pieces?

 

[bmah]

If that thing goes to orbit, then the whole Star Trek first contact - Cochrane warp ship built in a barn scenario seems a lot more plausible.

This thread took an interesting turn.

Bruce.

 

[OPRCE]

Looks more like a hillbilly dog-house ...

 

[ecarfan]

If that thing goes to orbit, then the whole Star Trek first contact - Cochrane warp ship built in a barn scenario seems a lot more plausible.

I am unclear on why you are questioning documented future history; of course that happened.

 

[sandpiper]

I am unclear on why you are questioning documented future history; of course that happened.

Actual future photos from first launch of SpaceX Starship. It really does look like the Phoenix and Starship were made by the same fabricators.

 

[e-FTW]

Orbital Water Tower Prototype (OWTP) as seen from the air!
Video (at 25s): LabPadre on Twitter

Image: LabPadre on Twitter

 

[Grendal]

Confirmed by Elon that there is a second Starship prototype being built in Florida.
Elon Musk on Twitter
Elon: SpaceX is doing simultaneous competing builds of Starship in Boca Chica Texas & Cape Canaveral Florida

 

[Watts_Up]

Confirmed by Elon that there is a second Starship prototype being built in Florida.
Elon Musk on Twitter
Elon: SpaceX is doing simultaneous competing builds of Starship in Boca Chica Texas & Cape Canaveral Florida

So one team is making the Concord, the other the Tupolev 144

 

[ecarfan]

Confirmed by Elon that there is a second Starship prototype being built in Florida.
Elon Musk on Twitter
Elon: SpaceX is doing simultaneous competing builds of Starship in Boca Chica Texas & Cape Canaveral Florida

I find that to be a very surprising development. Would love to hear Elon explain the reasons for doing that! Seems like an expensive approach.