Last week, SpaceX launched their 4^th test flight of their revolutionary Starship Super Heavy rocket. A truly remarkable accomplishment in so many ways, but here at Summit Skilled Solutions, we can’t help but focus on the skilled tradesmen behind the scenes. In this case, the heroes of the day were welders who assembled the 304L stainless steel forward flaps. 
 

During re-entry of the Starship vehicle, the world was treated to unprecedented views live-streamed from cameras mounted on the exterior of the vehicle. The main camera was pointed directly at one of the forward control flaps, which helps the vehicle maintain proper positioning while enduring the extreme temperatures of re-entry. SpaceX employees and viewers gasped as superheated plasma slowly began to melt and destroy the forward flaps which would be needed to orient the ship during landing. For 90 long seconds, the stainless-steel flaps sprayed the camera housing with molten steel and debris, and it continued it’s descent. Amazingly, as the vehicle approached the surface, the flaps activated just as they were designed, the engines roared to life, and the ship made a perfect soft landing a mere feet above the Indian Ocean. Despite enduring 2,600 degrees of heat from the superheated plasma, and losing a significant amount of material, the welds and hinges of the flaps held on and completed the first ever soft landing of a re-usable super heavy rocket.  

Quality welding is the fusion of science, artistry, and precision. It encompasses not only the technique of joining metals but also the selection of materials, meticulous preparation, and adherence to stringent standards. In aerospace applications like SpaceX Starship, every weld must withstand immense stresses and thermal gradients without compromise. A single faulty weld could spell disaster, jeopardizing missions and in the case of future manned flights…. even lives. 
 
Welding, often overlooked in its intricacies, is a cornerstone of modern engineering and industry. Its importance transcends mere joining of metal; it is the linchpin ensuring structural integrity, durability, and safety in a myriad of applications. By prioritizing quality welding from the outset, companies can minimize setbacks and streamline production processes, ultimately reducing costs and accelerating innovation. 

In the grand tapestry of human achievement, from mining to aerospace, quality welding emerges as a silent hero, often overlooked yet indispensable. It serves as the bedrock upon which the dreams of human advancement are built, ensuring that humanity’s reach extends ever farther into the cosmos. Skilled tradesmen are an invaluable resource, and we are always looking for skilled welders, carpenters, millwrights, pipefitters, and more. So, if you are looking for welding jobs in Ohio, or anywhere in the midwest, give us a call or send us your resume!