Elon Musk said SpaceX could be ready to launch Starship again 'in 1 to 2 months,' as researchers scramble to understand the impact of the first launch.
It seems that SpaceX slightly underestimated the effect of those Raptor engines — capable of producing an enormous 17 million lbs of thrust — on the Fondag concrete used at the launch facility. Fondag is a blend of concrete that is high-strength and heat-resistant, making it ideal for launch infrastructure., SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said, "3 months ago, we started building a massive water-cooled, steel plate to go under the launch mount.
Musk added that the engines had only been fired up to half throttle during static fire tests, leading to the discrepancy between SpaceX's expectations and the resulting crater.Researchers and residents of the area surrounding SpaceX's Starbase launch facility in South Texas are also investigating the wider effects of the launch. One potential cause for concern is the massive amounts of sand and ash-like particulate matter Starship kicked up as it slowly climbed off the launch pad.
Researchers are hard at work aiming to understand the aftermath of Starship — it's currently unknown whether that particulate matter is dangerous to touch or breathe in as well as the effect it could have on local soil. Though SpaceX could be ready to launch Starship again within the next couple of months, FAA clearance may be another challenge altogether.
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