Therefore, the closest analogy to what Blue Origin is trying to do is the reconstruction of 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 the ongoing investigation, which included a grid-by-grid examination of the debris, cataloging of recovered materials, and remediation of the launch site. Muratore and other SpaceX engineers spent these four months redesigning the launch pad.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Cargo Dragon spacecraft, seen here with the new launch tower and access arm at SLC-40.
Credit: SpaceX
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Cargo Dragon spacecraft, seen here with the new launch tower and access arm at SLC-40.
Credit: SpaceX
Trip Harriss, who led Falcon 9 fleet operations in 2016, said everyone at the company pitched in to support the research and then rebuild of the SLC-40 platform. The search for debris lasted from shortly after the explosion until early October, when efforts had to be abandoned due to the approach of powerful Hurricane Matthew.
During this time, SpaceX went all out, deploying drones and aircraft with sensitive equipment. “At one point, I got a submersible to take into the flame trench, where there was a pool of water, to see if we could find rocket debris,” Harriss said. “But they were just big chunks of concrete.”
going fast
Launch pads are among the most complex pieces of infrastructure involved in sending a rocket into space. They require a lot of courage, as evidenced by the need for tall, strong steel launching towers. Then there is the large amount of concrete used for the foundation, flame trench and surrounding areas.
Last Thursday, during the test failure, one of Blue Origin’s massive launch towers collapsed and the other appears to be severely damaged. The concrete beneath the rocket also appears to have collapsed in places. From a structural point of view, there is likely a lot of work ahead.
