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> rush to launch

Was there some specific reason for the rush beyond "ha ha funny date"? _If_ they did have some sort of solution almost ready to go, seems perplexing not to wait for it.

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Their intended solution was to liquid cool the launch pad internally, which would require demolition and starting from scratch anyway. Since both starship and the booster were already superseded by newer designs. I don't think it was "rushed" exactly, but it was either scrap them or use them and get the flight data. It's been sitting for months and likely preventing them from moving forward, so I'm sure they were eager to take action. The damage to the rest of facility and tank farm was almost certainly not expected though.

Originally they intended to launch a few days earlier, so I don't think the funny date held much significance in the choice

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