Prototype Starship Payload Door Operation Animation

SpaceX has begun constructing a new prototype payload door for the Starship vehicle at Starbase. This new hardware is the first time that we have seen in detail the direction that SpaceX is looking to go with the door operation. All previous door indications were just a cutout of the ring segments. After studying all of the visible hardware and weld marks I created this concept of the basic door operation. The locking pins down both sides of the door suggest that the door must slide upwards to unlock. In addition, these locks allow for structural rigidity to be preserved when the door is shut. Only after the door slides up to unlock can it be rotated out of the way. The hinge mechanism is the biggest unknown at this point and I gave my best effort designing something that seems realistic. It makes far more sense to have the hinge at the base of the door rather than at the top. To be clear, this door seems to be an early pathfinder and if used will only be used for initial flights of Starlink V2 satellites aboard Starship. This door design will likely change in the future as suggested by Elon himself. I believe the curvature of the nose cone presents challenges for the door which is why this prototype door does not include the nose cone yet. There are many more potential door designs that could be tried in the future all having significant tradeoffs. Consider becoming a Patreon to support my future work: Twitter: Thanks to the following for invaluable valuable reference. NASASpaceFlight RGV Areal Photography Starship Gazer Music - “The Process“ by Kevin Graham