SpaceX Tests Hardened Launch Pad at Starbase Spaceport to Prevent Damage During Starship Launch

On April 20, SpaceX made a not entirely successful attempt to launch the Starship rocket system. Rocket and ship prototypes

exploded at an altitude of about 40 km, and the launch platform was severely damaged. To prevent this from happening in the future, the company decided to strengthen the site.

What is known

The launch platform at Starbase was reinforced with water-cooled steel sheet. As part of the tests, it was subjected to the flames of the Raptor engine, which is equipped with a Super Heavy rocket.

SpaceX released a short video thatdemonstrates how the flame of an engine burns a steel sheet. Judging by what can be seen in the footage at the end, the plate withstood the effects of fire. But note that the Super Heavy rocket is equipped with more than 33 Raptor engines.

The 24th prototype took part in the April launchThe Starship spacecraft, which is called Ship 24. This week, SpaceX sent the 25th prototype, Ship 25, to the Starbase launch pad. The company is developing several prototypes at once.