[Paul R.]

A question:

In previous “big” launches (well, not this big) such as Saturn 5’s, Artemis, etc., and esp. with Artemis 1, we see huge cascades of water used to “damp” (mechanical term, sort of like cushioning / absorbing energy) the blast of the engines @ liftoff. I’d noticed that when SpaceX did their engine test of the Super Heavy booster, I did NOT see those volumes of water used to quash the ignition blast.

I wonder why not?

There is considerable speculation online that chunks of concrete may have flown up and damaged multiple engines:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13KtGfpZtDw

(Pretty good early analysis of the launch. See the comments regarding the launch pad damage.)

[Red Badger]

Yes, I heard that as well.

It is possible..................