I’m hearing a lot of people discussing the idea of Boeing/NASA streaming work on the SLS core at Stennis & I want to make a post explaining why that’s extremely unlikely to happen. Warning, lengthy topic.
1. Boeing, unlike SpaceX, has many other customers & services that may be far more critical of their work (missile systems, aircraft, etc) & any missteps made could cost them.
2. The B-2 Test stand, unlike Boca chica, is far more enclosed. Which makes any work around the camera difficult, as it’s a constant ITAR security risk. Any place that can’t see ITAR sensitive material, wouldn’t be more than watching a wall.
3. Boeing, unlike SpaceX- doesn’t gain much from PR work like a livestream which adds costs & takes man hours. SpaceX uses PR to their advantage to raise customer interest. Boeing, a company already flooded with business, doesn’t need PR
4. A livestream would need to be connected to Stennis facility networks, which could affect other software or hardware that needs the bandwidth for more critical testing, as well as a security risk for hacking or tampering.
5. Again, due to small spaces- the faces of those working at Stennis would be visible. Which requires consent from all working on the site. It would take a unanimous agreement from all involved, in order for a livestream to be legally permitted.
6. Anything installed into the B2 test stand must meet strict requirements to ensure it doesn’t affect the booster, or any of the systems on the stand. A wire in the wrong place could cause signal interference, or affect plumbing to or from the booster.
7. Much of the work for the booster is done on paper, as much as on the booster itself. Meaning periods when work needs to be documented, there would be 0 progress, leading to bad PR as people assuming Boeing/NASA is “slacking off”.
8. Undoubtedly in the minds of NASA, if not Boeing- is that the hype behind SLS does not justify the costs to install, maintain & undergo the lengthy legal processes, as mentioned before.
9. A livestream also poses the issue that anything that happens on the test stand has its details leaked- good or bad. Some info NASA/Boeing wants to control (as we’ve already seen).
10. Last but not least- half the hype around livestreams in boca chica is from the enormous number of dedicated fans who pick up the slack for SpaceX. Fans that, SLS buy & large- doesn’t have enough of to justify doing this.
You can follow @LCS_Big_Mike.
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