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Simultaneously, Ship 35 has entered the stacking phase and has revealed new hardware for its catch mechanism. Instead of external catch pins, which could burn up during re-entry, it appears that SpaceX is designing a retractable pin system potentially situated within the ship. This innovation not only enhances the design aesthetics but could prove crucial for safe landings.
Additionally, the recently spotted red tiles on the ship, initially perceived as advanced heat shields, were revealed to be removable alignment guides used during assembly. These insights underscore SpaceX's ongoing commitment to optimizing manufacturing processes even amid significant design changes.