Artifact: SpaceX Starship SN24 thermal protection tile fragments
Date of use: April 20, 2023.

Fragment 1

Dimensions: 14 x 12.2 x 3 cm.
Weight: 69 gr.

Fragment 2

Dimensions: 9 x 3.6 x 1.3 cm.

Weight: 7 gr.

Flown Status: flown.

Description:

2 fragments of the thermal protection tiles used during the launch test of SpaceX Starship SN4 on April 20, 2023. They were found on Playa del Sol, also know as Barra del Tordo in Mexico on May 15, 2023.

The shape of the hex tiles used for ther thermal protection system offers no straight path for hot gas to accelerate through the gaps.

Above: Fragments location within the shape of a hex tile.

Hex tiles on Starship in 2021. Credit: Austin Barnard.

Above: Playa del Sol, where the tile fragments where found. Credit: Ronhardrock468.

Artifact: SpaceX Starship SN24 launch pad remnant from first test flight
Artifact Category: Launch pad fragment
Date of use: April 20, 2023
Dimensions: 20 x 13.5 x 7 cm
Weight: 2,054 gr

Description: this piece of concrete was ejected during the destruction of the launch pad for Starship's first test flight.

Post-launch photos showed damage to the concrete underneath the launch pad and to infrastructure at the launch site. SpaceX video showed debris shooting into the ocean nearly half a mile away, and residents within a radius of 6 miles (9.7 km) reported shaking and broken windows. The rocket exhaust scattered debris for hundreds of yards, leaving a crater under its launch mount, and dented the launch site's nearby inert storage tanks.

Crater left after the launch. Credit: LabPadre/YouTube

The launch pad was built without flame diverters or sound suppression systems, systems customarily used to prevent damage during liftoff.

Star Base after launch and the pieces of concrete collected in the area. Credit: Spaceoceancorp.

This piece comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Paul S. Mamakos.

More information:

Launch of SpaceX SN24

Starship breaks havoc during liftoff