Re:SpaceX installed 29 Raptor engines on a Super Heavy rocke...
by HALtheWise on Tuesday August 03, 2021 @12:26AM
(#28045713)
It's generally considered unlikely that the skyscraper-sizes rocket can fall over in the water and remain intact enough to float, although it did happen once to Falcon 9, so it's not impossible.
Re:SpaceX installed 29 Raptor engines on a Super Heavy rocke...
by gridspy on Thursday August 05, 2021 @03:15AM
(#28070798)
In a recent interview [1] Elon stated that empty booster "has the density of an empty beer can" which is a great mental aid. So it will certianly float.
But part of it will be underwater, initially the very expensive flamey part (engines). They will not "be the same" after the experience.
Although, I'm not sure about that "then sinking into the water" part. There are big LO2 and methane tanks and If they are empty enough and closed, both Starship and Booster shouldn't sink. I guest, we'll see it soon.