SpaceX Tower Could Take a Long Time
Elon Musk Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is SpaceX building a second launch tower at Starbase?
To improve on the first tower, making it more complex but with simpler hardware, and to handle all aspects of the Starship system, including launching, catching, and refurbishing.
Why could the second tower take a long time to build?
It may be more complex and require a streamlined process, which could take months or almost a year to complete, similar to the 13 months it took for the first tower.
Why is the second tower being designed differently from the first?
SpaceX engineers are simplifying the design to make it more efficient, reducing the number of parts and systems while increasing its capabilities.
Why is the second tower important for SpaceX's Mars and Moon missions?
It will enable rapid reusability of boosters and Starships, crucial for refueling and multiple launches, which are necessary for missions to the Moon and eventually Mars.
Why might SpaceX not catch the booster until the second tower is completed?
Catching the booster with the first tower is risky, and if something goes wrong, it could delay further launches. The second tower is designed to be more reliable for this task.
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