Therefore, the closest analogue to what Blue Origin is trying to do is to rebuild Space Launch Complex-40, which was largely destroyed by the AMOS-6 failure.
According to Muratore, SpaceX was not allowed to begin reconstruction work on the launch pad until January 2017. The delay was due to an ongoing investigation, including a network survey of the wreckage, cataloging of recovered materials and recovery of the launch site. Muratore and other SpaceX engineers spent those four months redesigning the launch pad.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Cargo Dragon spacecraft are seen here at SLC-40 along with the new launch tower and entry arm.
Credit: SpaceX
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Cargo Dragon spacecraft are seen here at SLC-40 along with the new launch tower and entry arm.
Credit: SpaceX
In 2016, Trip Harriss, who led operations for the Falcon 9 fleet, said everyone at the company pitched in to support the investigation and then rebuild the SLC-40 platform. The search for debris continued shortly after the explosion until early October, when efforts had to be suspended due to the approach of powerful Hurricane Matthew.
During this time, SpaceX pulled out all the stops, deploying drones and aircraft with sensitive equipment. “At one point I got a submarine to take the water into the fire trench to see if we could find any missile debris,” Harriss said. “But it was just big chunks of concrete.”
It goes fast
Launch pads are among the most complex infrastructure elements involved in sending a rocket into space. As evidence of the need for tall and sturdy steel towers, they require a lot of braun. Then there is the large amount of concrete used for the foundation, fire pit and surrounding areas.
Last Thursday, a test failure caused one of Blue Origin’s giant launch towers to topple over and severely damage another. The concrete under the rocket also appears to have collapsed in some places. From a structural point of view, there is probably a lot of work ahead.
