Re:Orbital Reef: Commercial space station by BlueOrigin, Sie...
by panick21_ on Monday October 25, 2021 @01:53PM
(#28990947)
> They have at least 10 slightly used Dragon 1 capsules that, if they can be refurbished, will save them a lot of money.
I don't think that's how Dragon XL will be built. No need for most of what is on Dragon and the wrong shape.
More likely built with the same tooling as the 2nd stage of Falcon 9 combined with the systems from Dragon Cargo (the new one).
> In fact, I imagine a whole series of different vehicles derived from the Starship design
Agree. There are lots ways you can do it. Will be interesting to see how they do it.
> Engines could be removed and added to other vehicles f
Or just bring them back to earth.
They have at least 10 slightly used Dragon 1 capsules that, if they can be refurbished, will save them a lot of money.
> or literally build the station out of Starships.
It's entirely possible to build a module like that using a slightly modified lunar version (no heat tiles, no wings), a docking adapter at the very top and enough solar panels and radiators in the trunk to be installed on the outside. Engines could be removed and added to other vehicles for in-orbit assembly (that may be a little bit more complicated - working with pressurized gloves is not great).
In fact, I imagine a whole series of different vehicles derived from the Starship design and riding to orbit on top of the Super Heavy - non-reusable ones, simple booster and orbital tug with light, disposable fairing (and a ridiculous cargo capacity during ascent), vehicles designed to be assembled into larger structures, with inflatable modules with a centrifuges, maybe an Earth-Mars cycler...