 |
| STEP 2: Clearing these trees was part of the operation of constructing a portable rocket space hanger |
SPACE1 SECRET ROCKET SPACE HANGER
One can build a non-permanent portable space hanger, that can temporarily house equipment, space machines, transports, and space craft, and/or serve as a rocket tool room. This secret hanger was constructed primarily by one person over a period of about one week. This blog will detail construction, and aspects of portability, while not revealing location.
 |
| STEP 1: Site survey during 2015 |
The secret space hanger is made from steel pipe and a durable UV treated and rip-stop poly woven skin. Overall, a site is leveled, a base laid down, and a steel pipe structure is erected and fastened to the base. The structure is made level and proportional, and the bolts and fastener brackets are tightened. Then skin is applied with ropes and tensioned with ratchets. There are three sections of skin, one at the front with the doors, one at the back, and one covering the top and sides. The base is dual anchored, to prevent sliding in strong wind, and to prevent the kiting effect of lift. The end result is a structure that has withstood an excess of 60 mph winds.
The Assembly Manual will show the design is for assembly by 3 to 5 people. The tips provided here show how to assemble by one person. If you are assembling this alone, the instruction manual will need revision. Do not assemble and complete the "trusses" and then try to erect into position as shown by the manual. Do assemble half of the truss, erect the first two and connect together, then add on one additional section at a time. Once this sub section is assembled, one side will be lifted up to attach the remaining pipes. The help of a friend is convenient, or you could put 2 saw horses under the assembly while you attach more pipes.
STEP 1 - SITE SURVEY
The first step is selecting the site by doing a site survey. The site must be large enough to encompass the structure size. As the structure is not permanent, it exhumes a secrecy for space work. The structure is low cost (about $500 for the main package compared to $15,000 for a non portable wood structure) and relatively light weight (it must be anchored when assembled) as it can be disassembled and transported to another location.
STEP 2 - CLEARING TREES
The next step is clearing the site from debris and trees as needed. Clearing trees may take a month, for vehicular and chain saws acquisition, chain saw maintenance and repair, cutting, trimming, loading, hauling, unloading and repeat disposal.
STEP 3 - PURCHASES
Purchase the structure and transport it to the site. Common structures, at different levels of quality, are available online, from Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Menards, and similar hardware stores, like Runnings, Farm & Home Supply, and TSC. This project describes a Menards Round Top Garage version that came in two boxes. Other descriptions include garage in a box and storage shed. This unit is ShelterLogic brand. MENARDS is constantly changing their sale prices. Check here for the latest pricing.
Sort out the components and label the piles of parts, then obtain the additional components needed. Locate the position of the base on the property. Situate the structure away from trees with branches above.
 |
| The base is laid out and pipes are being assembled for the top and sides. Do not fully assemble the pipes from top to bottom if the project is being put together by one person. |
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS TO PURCHASE
Additional components to purchase include earth anchors, anchor braided steel wire, wire clamps, rope, three pulleys, front door pipe, and tools. The base will require 2x6" treated perimeter lumber and its assembly hardware. (It takes two connected 12-foot sections for each side and a 14' section for the back) The front requires stubs to hold the front pipes. Purchase 4 pipe clamps to hold each of the two front pipes to the wood stubs. The structure as assembled is 10 feet high, 24 feet deep and 13 feet wide. The perimeter base size is 13'x24'. The hardware includes screws, angle iron, and straight connectors for 2" thick lumber. Although a 13' front base lumber is not needed, it's highly recommended as it will hold the front pipes at left and right, and provide a sturdier front door at the bottom where the wind can move the door in and out. As the back was reinforced, a chain link fence pipe was purchased with two connectors and threaded into the bottom pocket.
TOOLS
Tools and supplies needed for the project include 2 ladders, chainsaw, knife and blades, pole chain saw, oil, truck, tarp, ratchet (socket wrench with attachments), crescent wrench, pliers, scissors, duct tape, power drill, drill bits, level, rubber hammer, regular hammer, metal cut off power tool, sandpaper, wheel borrow, shovel, post hole digger, set of bungee cords, extension cords, lighting, ...
THE FLOOR
The floor is built up from the ground soil with a 4-inch deep layer of pea rock. Make sure the rock is dry when you purchase it, or you'll pay for a lot of extra water weight. The pea rock insulates the vehicles from ground moisture with a filtered granulated layer of air and rock. Rake and level the floor as needed.
to be continued