Nailing a SpaceX rocket to the ground

Crazy ideas require crazy solutions. Elon Musk is known for his innovative way of thinking and making the impossible possible. And to realize those crazy, impossible ideas, you need a partner that matches your ambitions and thinks out of the box. Musk found this perfect match with Green Pin^®. The centrepiece of rigging.  A shackle — though one of the smallest components — is among the most crucial parts used to anchor Musk’s rocket securely to the ground during the launch of the SpaceX project. For the testing and validation of their reusable rocket boosters, SpaceX turned to Green Pin^®’s distributor SWOS for their rigging needs. Testing would be done by igniting a rocket for a full 2.5-minute rocket launch while it remained secured to the ground. 

Why Green Pin^®?

SpaceX engaged SWOS as a consultant for their project as they were designing a test where component failure was not an option. Director and co-owner of SWOS, Mike Poroo, stated: “Once we understood the magnitude of the test, and the catastrophic situation that component failure would lead to, we knew we had to lean on our most trusted products from our most trusted partners. Green Pin^®’s end fittings were the obvious choices. Based on Green Pin^®’s reputation of consistent quality and reliability.” 

Technical specifications / the testing regimen

The original project started in June 2016 and ended in February 2017. The size rope that was used had a diameter of 114 mm (4.5”), and the length of the rope was originally 4 meters (159’’) long. The MBL was 916 tonnes (2,021,000 pounds) with 8 slings in total and the length measurement was taken at 92 tonnes (202,000 pounds). The first test started at Load ‘P’ and included 10 cycles of 2 times WLL, the WLL being 183.5 tonnes (404,200 pounds). This was followed by 20 minutes rest at 0 tonnes/pounds and after the rest there was a load again up to 92 tonnes (202,000 pounds). This was held for 2 minutes for measurements. Eventually, the WLL was increased up to 238 tonnes (525,000 pounds) and again, this was held for 2 minutes for measurement. The second test was executed in the same order with the same measurements 24 hours later. The ropes and slings were used at least twice within the field, and Green Pin^® provided eight 200 t Green Pin^® Sling Shackles to this project. 

MBL: Minimum Breaking Load
WLL: Working Load Limit
SWL: Safe Working Load

Why the Green Pin^® Sling Shackle?

When compared to regular bow shackles, the larger surface area and increased working diameter of Green Pin^®’s Sling shackles create a much more favorable scenario for fibre rope slings. According to Poroo, this was a perfect match for SpaceX, based on the magnitude of the project. Without this innovative design, the transition from regular shackle bow to fibre rope sling would often become a point of concern and fatigue. Even when compared to other leading brands, Green Pin^®’s Sling shackles have the most favorable geometry.

Without the Green Pin^®, the SpaceX project of Elon Musk might not have succeeded. But like Musk, Green Pin^® wants to make the impossible possible as well. Nothing is too big for our ambitions. Green Pin^® is proud to say that in a head-to-head matchup with one of the most powerful rockets in the world, the Green Pin^® shackle came out on top! A small shackle, with a big impact. Green Pin^®. The centrepiece of rigging.