SpaceX is working with NASA to build a Starship launch site at LC-49 at KSC, I think they're going through environmental assessments right now.

I think up next for SpaceX is finishing the launch tower at 39-A and then building a crew launch platform at SLC-40 (in case Starship RUDs and takes out the crew platform at 39-A). I believe SLC-40 will also have the alleged vertical integration facility.

Yeah I think they will be for rigs, or the OLT's at KSC. I know felix is ok sometimes but that was pretty wild speculation, imho, bordering on click bait. They're never going to do a very high cadence of launches from Texas/starbase. They don't have the infrastructure/gse/water supply for it (factoring in deluge system requirements now), and the local community would not tolerate it.

They got those rigs for basically scrap value during covid, so if they are giving up on that plan my swag is that they are going with something more bespoke/indicative of a long term plan for the offshore stuff. Part of the issue with those was/is that they are too small to really handle any of the fuel tanks themselves, too, imho.

Something more like sea launch on steroids is what I'd gamble they are going to go with, at some point. The platform components will be very large, I bet.

Gwynne Shotwell told reporters last week that SpaceX sold the rigs; "they were not the right platform." Still interested in sea-based launch platforms, but the company wants to start flying Starship first and understand it before proceeding. https://t.co/LApLVDj2aS

— Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) February 14, 2023

Anyone thinking of gambling and driving down to SPI for the 11th and hoping for a launch? Tail end of spring break….

I wouldn't make a commitment to that until at most a couple days prior. They don't have the deluge system finished, or license yet. Odds of hitting that date specifically couldn't be higher than 1:5 or even 10. But good luck!

YellowPot_97 said:

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Anyone thinking of gambling and driving down to SPI for the 11th and hoping for a launch? Tail end of spring break….

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Make refundable reservations if you need them but don't get married to a date until we're 4-5 days out.

I'm hoping to have the RV prepped to go on short notice but there is zero chance I go during Spring Break.

I don't think the deluge system will be ready for months, they'll launch without it imo.

Dude. I'm so glad I joined this thread. If this thing launches during spring break I am 100% making a day trip or more out of it so my kids can watch.

bthotugigem05 said:

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I don't think the deluge system will be ready for months, they'll launch without it imo.

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Agreed. SpaceX has certainly proven that they aren't afraid to break things.

I'm actually a bit apprehensive about running a Starship launch so quickly, but that's why Elon is Elon

It would be cool if some of us from this thread wanted to go in on a condo in SPI. I'd be down.

Serious question: Could we just drive down day of and watch the launch from Port Isabel or SPI as a day trip?

ABATTBQ11 said:

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Serious question: Could we just drive down and watch the launch from Port Isabel or SPI?

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Yes but it looks like it will be during spring break so will have to compete with drunk college kids

I'm ok with with sharing a beach with horny, drunk coeds

ABATTBQ11 said:

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I'm ok with with sharing a beach with horny, drunk coeds

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It'll be a sacrifice, but you gotta make due with the situation

nortex97 said:

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Some interesting discussion, and images, though I don't think this writer is very well informed.

Quote:

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The metal launch tower segments are not that expensive. The launch towers have the robotic arms and power to operate them.

The NASA SLS launch tower cost about $1 billion. It seems likely that the SpaceX Mechazilla launch towers and the oil rig launch towers cost less than $100 million each.

SpaceX will have six operational launch facilities soon and perhaps seven launch towers when the oil rigs are completed. As of 2023, SpaceX operates four launch facilities: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40), Vandenberg Space Force Base Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E), Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A), and Brownsville South Texas Launch Site. There will be two launch towers at Boca Chica.

SpaceX currently operates a West Coast launch site located at Vandenberg Space Force Base Space Launch Complex 4 in order to deliver satellites to polar or Sun-synchronous orbits with Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches.

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I really don't think they will build one in California, period. Maybe put a rig offshore in international waters, but even then the real challenge is getting the GSE filled/maintained (SSE? Sea support equipment?). California is not friendly to any industrial construction/materials needs.

Are there definitely going to be 2 OLT's @ Starbase? I remain unconvinced.

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Yea don't really see any use cases for high inclination launches for the BFR

ABATTBQ11 said:

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Serious question: Could we just drive down day of and watch the launch from Port Isabel or SPI as a day trip?

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You probably want to go out on the SPI jetties to watch. It's just under 5 miles away.

I knew South Padre was close, but I didn't realize it was that close to Starbase. Over time, they will have a love/hate relationship with SpaceX. If those things ever launch at the cadence Elon wants, the noise will become very frustrating.

Maybe, but not for a long long time

I live in the southernmost unit of Sapphire. My kitchen, LR, and both patios face SpaceX with literally nothing between.

Launches are so freaking awesome that it's gonna be a long time before they become problematic.

You will be able to book launchpad facing rooms at the remodeled Margaritaville starting in May.

Do it.

SPI-FlatsCatter 84 said:

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Maybe, but not for a long long time

I live in the southernmost unit of Sapphire. My kitchen, LR, and both patios face SpaceX with literally nothing between.

Launches are so freaking awesome that it's gonna be a long time before they become problematic.

You will be able to book launchpad facing rooms at the remodeled Margaritaville starting in May.

Do it.

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You are living the dream. I am envious of your setup!

Looks like it's unanimous

Do you have room in your driveway for a conversion van?

I'll bring beer

I'll bring bourbon

I'll bring brisket

tamfal86 said:

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I'll bring brisket

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Launch viewing and brisket competition! I'm in.

Sounds like all we need is an address

Yes. Please make this happen. I will provide sustenance as well.

It's not like he has a fence to tear down or anything...

. My post was meant to advise that , moving forward, when Margaritaville reopens after spring break that you should book rooms above the 5th floor facing South

I'm only a couple months removed from surgery at MD Anderson. Gimme few months before I host a launch all-nighter

May 17th sounds like a commitment to me.

https://t.co/TkDnRfUMdu

— Rare North American Space Koala (@culpable_mink) February 16, 2023

Interesting. I suppose, over time they want to make sure the area around the landing/descent point doesn't have…morons boating amid the huge rocket landing. And let's face it, some of the same types whose photo's we enjoy from starbase/BC, will no doubt be out there pushing as close/closer than they should to take images of the booster landing in the ocean the first few times.

SPI-FlatsCatter 84 said:

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. My post was meant to advise that , moving forward, when Margaritaville reopens after spring break that you should book rooms above the 5th floor facing South

I'm only a couple months removed from surgery at MD Anderson. Gimme few months before I host a launch all-nighter

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Good luck with the recovery