Is Kennedy Space Center Ready for Starship’s Force?

SpaceX intends to frequently launch its large Starship booster from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. To achieve this, the company will renovate an existing Apollo-era launch site and build a new one, as detailed in a recent environmental impact assessment.

The Starship booster has intermittently made headlines in recent years, notably for the fiery conclusions of its initial two orbital attempts. Yet, while familiarity may breed contempt, it can also diminish a true appreciation of scale. SpaceX’s latest flagship rocket isn’t merely a showcase of innovative technology or sleek design; it’s an incredibly colossal spacecraft.

The Titan of Rockets

In straightforward terms, Starship represents the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed. Its fully assembled first and second stages tower at 394 ft (120 m), surpassing the 363 ft (111 m) height of the Apollo Saturn V, which sent the first astronauts to the Moon. Additionally, Starship’s 33 Raptor engines generate over 16 million pounds of thrust, double that of the Saturn V.

Even compared to NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), which stands at 371 ft (114 m) and boasts twice the thrust, Starship surpasses it. Starship can carry 150 tonnes into orbit, with both stages returning for reuse, while the SLS is limited to 95 tonnes and is a single-use booster.

Another distinction is Starship’s design for frequent and repeated flights, contrasting with the SLS’s infrequent launches, occurring once every two years. The prospect of regular liftoffs, akin to the Apollo 11 launch occurring every couple of weeks, underscores SpaceX’s interest in locating Starship operations at Kennedy Space Center.

However, SpaceX encountered significant challenges during its initial orbital launch attempt from its Texas facility. The launch pad, designed with insufficient robustness, resulted in significant ground effects, including damage to concrete structures, wildfires, demolished vehicles, and airborne debris leading to environmental concerns. Subsequent improvements were mandated by the US FAA to address safety and environmental issues, resulting in a more resilient launch pad for subsequent flights.

US Space Force’s Plan for Space Launch Complex 37

According to the environmental impact statement submitted by the US Space Force, plans involve assuming control of Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37), originally constructed in 1959 and utilized for testing early Apollo boosters, including hosting the uncrewed Apollo 5 mission. Presently, United Launch Alliance operates its Delta 4 Heavy rocket from SLC-37, slated for retirement this year in favor of the Vulcan. SLC-37 is set to undergo partial demolition and reconstruction to accommodate Starship operations.

The statement also mentions the potential construction of a nearby complex, SLC-50, for the same purpose as an alternative. Given that this filing falls under the National Environmental Policy Act, detailed project specifics remain limited. However, the Space Force’s involvement underscores military interest in Starship. In recent years, both the US Air Force and Space Force have explored Starship’s potential as a military transport for cargo and troops capable of global reach within an hour. There have also been discussions regarding the Space Force’s desire to procure or lease Starship rockets for independent operation without SpaceX involvement.

Regardless of specific arrangements, the acquisition and construction of such sizable launch complexes indicate a paradigm shift in commercial launches compared to the Space Race era. Instead of a handful of launches annually, the future may entail frequent Super Heavy rocket liftoffs, driven by powerful and transformative thrust, akin to routine jetliner takeoffs.

Read the original article on: New atlas

Read more: US Space Force Seeks Orbital Refueling Stations