Pad 40 has been the main launch site for the Falcon 9 rocket for most of its history, while Pad 39A has hosted crew launches and supported SpaceX’s increasing launch schedule. However, it appears that the Falcon 9 launch frequency, which reached 165 missions last year, may be levelling off as the company shifts focus to its Starship rocket. SpaceX has been reducing the time needed to prepare Pad 40 for launches, now completing this process in less than 48 hours.
If necessary, SpaceX officials stated they could reinstall the crew arm for Dragon missions from Pad 39A.
Bill Gerstenmaier, SpaceX’s vice president of build and flight reliability, highlighted another important reason for removing the crew arm at Pad 39A. The bearings connecting the arm to the launch pad’s tower require repairs.
“To access those, the arm needs to be removed,” Gerstenmaier explained. “Those bearings must be taken out and replaced. We will carry out this work at the Kennedy Space Center. Our goal is not to rush to reinstall the arm; if we get called for a mission, we have ample time to put it back up.”
SpaceX continues to launch Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets from Pad 39A, despite nearby construction for Starship. Gerstenmaier noted that this does not hinder their launch capabilities. However, this might change as SpaceX begins testing Starships, which could lead to Pad 39A being closed to personnel.
Gerstenmaier confirmed the intent to replace the bearings and upgrade them before reinstalling the arm when it is needed for future missions.
Vocabulary List:
- Frequency /ˈfriː.kwən.si/ (noun): The rate at which something occurs over a particular period of time.
- Installed /ɪnˈstɔːld/ (verb): Set in position for use.
- Reinstall /ˌriːɪnˈstɔːl/ (verb): To install something again.
- Maintenance /ˈmeɪn.tə.nəns/ (noun): The process of keeping something in good condition.
- Capabilities /ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ɪ.tiz/ (noun): The power or ability to do something.
- Confirm /kənˈfɜːrm/ (verb): To state or prove the truth of something.
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