Posted on 04/09/2018 11:09:20 AM PDT by Moonman62
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has published the first public photo of fabrication tooling intended to enable the construction of the first full-scale Mars spaceship prototype.
The massive cylinder revealed in Musk’s Instagram post – while not an actual rocket component – is a mold that will be used to carefully craft the carbon composite structures that are expected to be liberally used throughout SpaceX’s Mars rocket boosters and spaceships.
Building on a history of R&D with the contractor, SpaceX has likely procured this unique tooling from the Seattle-based Janicki Industries, previously known for their work on the jaw-dropping ITS oxygen tank that was revealed in 2016 and tested to failure in 2017. This time around, however, SpaceX is not simply contracting Janicki to construct a prototype tank at their Seattle facilities – rather, the company is acquiring the tools they will need to build their own massive carbon composite structures.
The existence of the tooling in question more likely than not indicates that SpaceX has completed the basic designs of BFR and BFS. Custom-built fabrication hardware like the item pictured by Musk would entail a fairly breathtaking capital investment that would not be made without confidence that it will be used. Whereas one might easily find a second-hand market for a very high-quality lathe, there is quite literally not a market on Earth for tooling necessary to build 9-meter diameter rocket-grade carbon composite structures. It is just the tool for the job of building BFR, however, and can likely be used to fabricate the main body of both the 9-meter diameter booster (first stage) and spaceship (upper stage).
(Excerpt) Read more at teslarati.com ...
Hmmm. When I used to play Quake, I used a BFG. I’m guessing the BFR is similar use of abbreviation?
“I’m guessing the BFR is similar use of abbreviation?”
The polite version is “Big Falcon Rocket”... heh
Indeed.
No question, considering that the lineup of models of Tesla cars is: S 3 X Y.
(Ford had the “E” trademarked. Note that Tesla now uses the same icon for “E” and “3”.)
BFR9000
I always keep a BFH around the shop.
Goes hand in hand with the blue wrench.
“By comparison the ISS looks like a cluttered high tech hallway. “
Or Mir that looked like a Sci Fi getto.
I drive a Ford BFT!
Mir was the set for “Space Hoarders”
Really? Is Elon Musk really reduced to the old, “My tool is bigger than your tool” game? He should let his, uh, rocket stand up on its own...if it can. :>)
Rockets, tunnels and Tesla models that spell SEXY.
hmmmmm...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.