SpaceX tested a reinforced launch pad at Starbase to prevent destruction during a Starship launch

On 20 April, SpaceX made a not-so-successful attempt to launch the Starship rocket system. The prototype rocket and spacecraft exploded at an altitude of about 40 km, and the launch platform was badly damaged. To prevent something similar from happening in the future, the company decided to fortify the pad.

Here's What We Know

The launch platform at Starbase Spaceport has been reinforced with water-cooled steel sheeting. As part of the test, it was subjected to a flame-retardant Raptor engine, which equips the Super Heavy rocket.

SpaceX has published a short video that demonstrates how the engine's flame burns the steel plate. From what can be seen in the footage at the end, the plate survived the fire. But note that the Super Heavy rocket is equipped with more than one, 33 Raptor engines.

The April launch involved Starship's 24th prototype spacecraft, called Ship 24. This week, SpaceX sent the 25th prototype, Ship 25, to the Starbase launch pad. But it's not certain it will be the one to be used for the next orbital mission, as the company is developing several prototypes at once.

Source: SpaceX