5 ms·
There really aren't. You can build an engine test stand just about anywhere, but to actually launch a rocket into most orbits, you need the ocean to the east, a
by jimrandomh 6y ago
There really aren't. You can build an engine test stand just about anywhere, but to actually launch a rocket into most orbits, you need the ocean to the east, and you need to be close to the equator. That means it has to be on either the east coast of Texas or the east coast of Florida, neither of which have much uninhabited land.
- areoform 6y agoI have linked to maps above that show that you do not have to build in a wildlife preserve. Just a few degrees upwards they can have depleted agricultural land that is on sale for cheap. The math on the ∆v savings suggests a paltry benefit for Boca Chica when compared against these sites. And yes, they should build that engine stand elsewhere.
- patagurbon 6y agoThe engine stand is elsewhere. In farmland. McCarthy maybe? I can't remember. It's also in Texas. All their Raptors and Merlin's are tested there.