Comments on: Two spaceports in Alaska sign partnership agreement https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/two-spaceports-in-alaska-sign-partnership-agreement/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:09:33 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Matthew https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/two-spaceports-in-alaska-sign-partnership-agreement/#comment-1597336 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:09:33 +0000 https://behindtheblack.com/?p=114762#comment-1597336 I can’t think of any reason to do it in this case, but SpaceX could of course launch from an inland spaceport without dropping a first stage on anyone.

]]> By: Jeff Wright https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/two-spaceports-in-alaska-sign-partnership-agreement/#comment-1597048 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:41:46 +0000 https://behindtheblack.com/?p=114762#comment-1597048 Well, SRBs were tremendously strong having to bear the weight of the whole shuttle stack –the orbiter a massive cantilever when the SSME’s were quiet–so just sitting on the pad out stress on them.

SLS is in-line–and has modified O-rings.

Most of what flies out of Alaska is much smaller with less weight issues.

I think a whole pad is atop a massive lazy Susan, such that the rocket is only exposed to the elements before launch…a good defense against sea spray.

That structure is a lot like train turntables.
I have heard it said that the outfit behind that would be able to use that approach on larger rockets.

R-7 petal system still amazes me…the polar opposite of chopsticks.

]]> By: Milkman https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/two-spaceports-in-alaska-sign-partnership-agreement/#comment-1596784 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:48:10 +0000 https://behindtheblack.com/?p=114762#comment-1596784 I would assume they have better O-Rings these days….

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