Originally Posted by
Jhieminga
I do wonder what caused that chine damage. It certainly did not hit the tower. Could the hot stage ring have touched it after release? Or is that a silly thought...
It does not look like damage from the high speed airflow to me, but I could well be wrong.
Under those chines are the COPV Nitrogen bottles. I'm wondering if one of those let go or a pipe failed causing an over pressure in the void.
It could just be a manufacturing anomaly, fasteners not as secure as needed or a small gap in the fairing allowing airflow within.
It will all come out in the wash I'm sure.