How long will it take to rebuild the Blue Origin launch pad? We asked some SpaceX vets.

The closest analog to what Blue Origin is trying to do, therefore, concerns the reconstruction of the Space Launch Complex-40, which was largely destroyed by the failure of AMOS-6.

According to Muratore, SpaceX was not allowed to start rebuilding the launch site until January 2017. The delay was based on the ongoing investigation, which included a grid-by-grid search of the debris, the inventory of recovered materials, and the establishment of a reclamation site. Muratore and other SpaceX engineers spent the last four months renovating the launch pad.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Cargo Dragon spacecraft, seen here are the new launch platform and access arm for SLC-40.

Credit: SpaceX

Trip Harriss, who managed the Falcon 9 spacecraft in 2016, said everyone at the company helped to explore and rebuild the SLC-40 pad. The search for debris began shortly after the eruption until early October, when efforts had to be abandoned due to the approaching hurricane Matthew.

Meanwhile, SpaceX has pulled out all the stops, sending drones and planes with heavy equipment. “At one point, I went into the fire tunnel, where there was ice, to see if we could find rocket debris,” Harriss said. “But they were big pieces of concrete.”

Going fast

Launch pads are one of the most complex components involved in sending a rocket into space. They need a lot of braun, as evidenced by the need for tall and strong steel base platforms. Then there is a lot of concrete that is used to build foundations, fire pits, and surrounding areas.

Last Thursday, in a failed test, one of Blue Origin’s main launch platforms was knocked down, and the other one appears to have been severely damaged. The concrete under the rocket also appears to have fallen off in some places. In terms of design, there is a lot of work ahead.