robbak

joined 2 years ago
[–] robbak@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 years ago

Another thing we injoyed was much better second stage footage. They splashed out for some really good, but disposable, cameras.

 

WE know the original full-size bell is made from a very expensive niobium alloy, for heat resistance. But I notice that the new bell hardly glows at all - just very faintly at the extreme outer edge. The film cooling provided by the turbopump exhaust protects it completely.

So, I am wondering - are they still using that expensive niobium for the stubby nozzle? From what I can see of the bell, they could use simple mild steel and be perfectly OK.