SpaceX's Super Heavy Launch Mount: Why Not the Water?

SpaceX's Super Heavy launch vehicle is a massive rocket that is designed to be fully reusable and capable of transporting humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The Super Heavy launch vehicle will be launched from a launch tower that is known as the Super Heavy Launch Mount.

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Many people have wondered why SpaceX is not building the Super Heavy Launch Mount on top of the water. There are a few reasons for this:

• Cost: Building a launch mount on top of the water would be very expensive. The launch mount would need to be strong enough to support the weight of the Super Heavy launch vehicle, and it would also need to be able to withstand the forces of launch and landing.
• Technical challenges: Building a launch mount on top of the water would also be a major technical challenge. The launch mount would need to be anchored to the seabed, and it would also need to be able to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater.
• Environmental impact: Building a launch mount on top of the water would have a significant impact on the environment. The launch mount would need to be constructed from a large amount of materials, and it would also take up a significant amount of space in the ocean.

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In addition to these challenges, there are also a few advantages to building the Super Heavy Launch Mount on land:

• Accessibility: A launch mount on land would be more accessible than a launch mount on water. This would make it easier for SpaceX to transport equipment and personnel to and from the launch site.
• Safety: A launch mount on land would be safer than a launch mount on water. This is because a launch mount on land would be less likely to be damaged by storms or other natural disasters.
• Public support: Building the Super Heavy Launch Mount on land would likely be more popular with the public than building it on water. This is because many people are concerned about the environmental impact of building and operating a launch mount in the ocean.

Overall, the advantages of building the Super Heavy Launch Mount on land outweigh the advantages of building it on water. This is why SpaceX is planning to build the Super Heavy Launch Mount on land at its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

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Here are some additional thoughts on the topic:

• One potential advantage of building the Super Heavy Launch Mount on water is that it would reduce the risk of damage to nearby communities in the event of a launch failure. However, this risk is already very low, and SpaceX is taking a number of steps to mitigate it, such as developing a robust launch abort system.
• Another potential advantage of building the Super Heavy Launch Mount on water is that it would give SpaceX more flexibility in choosing launch sites. However, SpaceX is already planning to build multiple Super Heavy Launch Mounts at different locations around the world.

Overall, it is clear that SpaceX has carefully considered all of the pros and cons of building the Super Heavy Launch Mount on land or on water. The company has ultimately decided that building the launch mount on land is the best option for safety, cost, and environmental impact.