There used to be a lot of posts about that on this blog. Maybe not much anymore. To take a break from all the politics, which is not the most pleasant of diversions, it may be time to do a little on that neglected subject.
It seems that for the last few months, little has been going on over at Boca Chica. But that would be a mistake to think so. Activity is still going on, and one thing about the place that has changed in a relative short period of time is that new launch tower.
The launch tower is over 400 feet tall, so it is no mean feat to get it built in such a short time. Somehow this thing is supposed to catch the booster when it returns from its mission. The booster is plenty big, hence a pretty big tower.
Not clear on what it will do in all its details, and how it was built in all its specifications. Nor am I familiar with how the thing is supposed to work. There's a website that I visit frequently to get the latest on that. It is called "Teslarati". It seems to have all things Elon there. So, to keep up with that story, that could be your "go-to" place.
There are other websites that I use, but since those sites are related to actual launches, and no launches of the Starship seem imminent, I am not going to those lately.
The goal to launch to orbit by July appears to have slipped. Understatement there... It seems to be a feature of Elon speak to set very ambitious timelines. The timelines slip, but he does get things done.
There's going to be a lot of copy-catting now that he has demonstrated reusability for boosters.
But Musk is not resting on his laurels. The launch tower is an innovation. I suspect that it is important for fast turnarounds. Fast turnarounds are going to be necessary in order to make space travel more affordable. Lower costs means greater accessibility to space. The achievement of that goal is probably more significant than a return to the Moon or even a manned trip to Mars.
I can envision great civilizations being built in space. It could all be starting right here.
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