4
$\begingroup$

I don't understand what I'm looking at in the video of this Elon Musk tweet. The text says:

Just leaving SpaceX Starship build site in Boca

These are reminiscent of funhouse mirrors. What are these things exactly? If they're rocket parts, where on the rocket do they go?

Screenshots (click for full size):

enter image description here enter image description here enter image description here

$\endgroup$
2
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Only a guess, those are curved panels covering the root / hinges of the fins, creating a smooth aerodynamic fillet, protecting hinge's actuators from heat, housing wirings, tubings, maybe even fuel line from upper tank to engines ( don't know which tank is on top, methane or oxygen) $\endgroup$
    – jkztd
    Sep 28, 2019 at 8:45
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @qqjkztd I just ran across this: youtu.be/lRbKZqg5W-I?t=101 $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Sep 28, 2019 at 9:28

1 Answer 1

3
$\begingroup$

According to The Man Himself

Raceway & flap hinge aero covers

enter image description here

More here, more speculative. Doesn't match current planned configuration?

enter image description here

enter image description here

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Okay I'm getting the picture now, thank you! $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Oct 9, 2019 at 16:25

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.