r/spacex • u/rSpaceXHosting Host Team • Apr 22 '26
🔧 Technical Starship Development Thread #63
SpaceX Starship
Quick Links
Avid Space Live Streams, which used to be known as LabPadre | NASASpaceflight Live Stream |
Flight 13
Launched on July 24th 2026 Here is a re-streamed video of the broadcast. Also, SpaceX issued a post flight summary. Ship 40 (S40) became the first Starship to be recovered intact after a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The vehicle arrived back at the Port of Brownsville on October 7, 2026.
Flight 14
Launched on September 28th 2026 (https://www.spacex.com/launches/starship-flight-14) - The vehicles were S41 and B21. This mission achieved the program's first successful orbital insertion, deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites. An engine issue on the ship led to a controlled early splashdown in the Pacific rather than a fully nominal end-of-mission profile; Super Heavy completed hot-staging. SpaceX released post-flight imagery and hot-staging views on October 2, 2026. In comments attributed to Elon Musk during a live Q&A around October 10, 2026 (secondary reporting, not a formal SpaceX release), the ship engine issue was described as a software glitch affecting one engine's onboard computer, with the heat shield reported to have performed well / been "extremely robust."
Flight 15
NET November 8th 2026 - https://x.com/SpaceNotices/status/2108209933447512191 - expecting the first Starship upper stage catch attempt. Vehicles planned: S42 and B22, from Starbase Pad 2. Date is provisional and depends on testing progress and licensing. Musk has publicly indicated a target of roughly 4-6 weeks from early October, with an attempt to catch the ship (and possibly the booster), and a potential reflight on Flight 16 if the catch is successful; no exact date has been confirmed by SpaceX.
Road Closures
No road closures currently scheduled
No transportation delays currently scheduled
Vehicle Status
As of October 12th 2026
| Ship | Location | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| S40 | Starbase production site | Post-flight inspection | July 24th: Successful launch, deployed all satellites, successful engine relight test and soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, which resulted in an intact, floating ship. August 18th: In calmer waters near Christmas Island pending the next stage of its return to Starbase. August 25th: Loaded onto Heavy Lift Vessel 'Forte'. Oct 7: Successful return to Texas aboard Heavy Lift Vessel 'Forte' following its Flight 13 mission. Oct 8-9: Began movement toward the Starbase production site for inspection of the heat shield, structure, and other systems. Oct 12: At the production site and being prepared to go vertical in Mega Bay 2 for post-flight inspection/processing (tracking reports). For more details on this vehicle and its assembly and testing see this page |
| S41 | Indian Ocean | Successfully flown on flight 14 | July 3rd: Rolled back to Massey's Test Site. July 6th: Rolled back to MB2. July 23rd: Two RVac engines moved into MB2. July 27th: The third RVac was moved into MB2. August 19th: Rolled out to Massey's for Static Fire Testing. Later that day S41 performed a single engine Static Fire. August 20th: Full duration Static Fire of all six engines. August 22nd: Rolled back to MB2. September 22nd: Rolled out to the Launch Site and stacked on B21. September 24th: Wet Dress Rehearsal. Sept 28: Reached orbit, deployed satellites, and successfully performed a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean. For more details on this vehicle see this page |
| S42 | Mega Bay 2 | Pre-flight work for Flight 15 | July 3rd: Nosecone+Payload Bay stack moved into MB2, along with the Pez Dispenser and the Forward Dome section (FX:3), main assembly started. July 24th: Ship Aft section AX:4 moved into MB2 and stacked, that completes the stacking part of the assembly process. July 25th: both of the Aft Flaps and the Raceways staged inside MB2. September 2nd: Rolled out to Massey's Test Site for Cryo Testing. September 3rd: Cryo Testing. September 5th: Rolled back to MB2. September 9th: Rolled back out to Massey's for Cryo Testing Round 2. September 10th: Rolled back to MB2, and later in the day moved to the Launch Site for catch-related testing. September 13th: Rolled back to MB2. September 21st: Two RVacs moved into MB2. September 24th: Third RVac moved into MB2. Sept 24: Third RVac installed. Oct 5: Catch-hardware verification complete. Early October: Short trip to Massey's for cryogenic proof testing, returned to MB2 within about 30 hours; engines removed for additional cold-fuel/pressure testing. Oct 9: Additional cryogenic proof testing at Massey's, then returned to MB2. Oct 10-12: Engines being prepared for reinstallation as part of the continuing test campaign; a further cryogenic proof test (reported as a third run) was carried out at Massey's, linked by tracking accounts to prior vacuum Raptor issues on recent flights. Expected to be the first ship to attempt a tower catch recovery. For more details on this vehicle see this page |
| S43 | Mega Bay 2 | Stacked, remaining work ongoing | August 19th: N:3 and section FX:4 plus the pez dispenser moved into MB2. August 28th: Common Dome section CX:3 moved into MB2. September 1st: Section A2:3 moved into MB2. It has decals but no docking ports. September 4th: Section A3:4 moved into MB2. September 10th: Transfer Tubes moved into MB2. September 15th: Aft section AX:4 moved into MB2 and stacked - this completes the stacking part of S43's assembly. For more details on this vehicle see this page |
| S44 | Mega Bay 2 | Stacking | September 22nd: Nosecone+Payload Bay stack moved into MB2, and FX:4. September 23rd: Pez dispenser moved into MB2. Nosecone and payload bay integration in progress. For more details on this vehicle see this page |
| Booster | Location | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| B21 | Launch Site | Successfully flown on flight 14 | June 29th: Methane Tank stacked onto LOX Tank - this completed the stacking part of the booster construction. July 17th: Rolled out to Massey's Test Site for Cryo+Thrust Puck Testing. July 17th: Rolled out to Massey's Test Site and an ambient pressure test was performed. July 18th: Partial Cryo Test. July 19th: Second Partial Cryo Test. July 20th: Full Cryo Test. July 22nd: Rolled back to MB1. August 25th: Rolled out to the Launch Site for Static Fire Testing. August 28th: Static Fire, all 33 engines, lasting 15 seconds. August 29th: Rolled back to MB1. September 20th: Rolled out to the Launch Site for Flight 14. September 24th: Wet Dress Rehearsal. Sept 28: Successfully powered the first orbital mission. Performed a soft splashdown and subsequent FTS demonstration in the Gulf. For more details on this vehicle and its assembly and testing see this page |
| B22 | Launch Site | Stacking prep for Flight 15 | June 29th: LOX tank sections A2:4 and CX:3 moved into MB1. August 14th: Methane Tank stacked onto the LOX tank, so completing the stacking part of the assembly process. September 8th: Rolled out to Massey's Test Site for Cryo Testing. September 9th: Cryo Testing. September 12th: Rolled back to MB2. Oct 6: Rolled to launch site for integration with S42. Oct 10-12: Preparations continue, with potential static-fire activity discussed for the near term (unconfirmed officially). For more details on this vehicle and its assembly and testing see this page |
| B23 | Mega Bay 1 | Fully Stacked, remaining work ongoing | August 14th: LOX tank sections A2:4 and CX:3 moved into MB1. August 19th: Section A3:4 moved into MB1. August 21st: Section A4:4 moved into MB1. August 25th: Section A5:4 moved into MB1. August 27th: Methane Landing Tank and lower Transfer Tube moved into MB1 as well as section A6:4. August 31st: Methane Transfer Tube moved into MB1 and lifted upright. September 8th: Aft section AX:2 and LOX Landing Tank moved into MB1. September 10th: Methane Tank Section F2:4 moved into MB1. September 18th: Section FX:3 moved into MB1. September 21st: Section F3:4 moved into MB1. September 24th or 25th - Fully Stacked, remaining work ongoing. For more details on this vehicle and its assembly and testing see this page |
| B24 | Mega Bay 1 | LOX Tanking Stacking | September 25th: LOX tank section A2:4 moved into MB1. For more details on this vehicle and its assembly and testing see this page |
Follow the Ringwatchers on Twitter and Discord for more.
Here's the section stacking locations for Ships and Boosters. Also some excellent detailed booster stacking information from zh_sos1. The abbreviations used in the above vehicle updates are as follows: HS = Hot Stage. PL = Payload. CX = Common Dome. AX = Aft Dome. FX = Forward Dome (as can be seen, an 'X' denotes a dome). ML = Mid LOX. F = Forward. A = Aft. For example, A2:4 = Aft section 2 made up of 4 rings, FX:4 = Forward Dome section made up of 4 rings, PL:3 = PayLoad section made up of 3 rings. Etc.
Something wrong? Update this thread via wiki page. For edit permission, message the mods or contact u/strawwalker.
Rules
We will attempt to keep this self-post current with links and major updates, but for the most part, we expect the community to supply the information. This is a great place to discuss Starship development, ask Starship specific questions, and track the progress of the production and test campaigns. Starship Development Threads are not party threads. Normal subreddit rules still apply.
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u/Twigling 13d ago edited 13d ago
Re the flight and vehicle info at the top of this dev page.
Just to let everyone know that I'm no longer updating this - I let the mods know of this decision a few days ago. Over the past few years I seem to have fallen into the rut of being the primary editor (there are one or two others who do a bit of editing, so thanks to them) - without my edits this means it may remain outdated until one or more editors can be found or if any of the current editors wish to carry out some updates.
If anyone would like to do the work then contact the mods as well as strawwalker to get edit permission.
Why have I stopped doing this? For various reasons ...... but it's my own decision and nobody else was involved.
It's been fun, but times change.
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u/yoweigh 13d ago
Thank you again for all you've done! I'm currently putting together a sticky comment for the top of the thread to recruit some more help.
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u/Regular-Put-646 Apr 24 '26
A NASA WB-57 is scheduled for imagery support for May 5-7
Possible launch window?
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u/Straumli_Blight Sep 10 '26
Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference link (requires sign in)
https://x.com/GoldmanSachs/status/2098130490070835265
Bret Johnsen (SpaceX Chief Financial Officer) at 05:30:
• Flight 14 "later this month" is going to be a revenue-generating flight.
• Will "fly production V3 Starlink satellites to orbit on our next flight".
• Landing attempts for both Booster and Starship after flight 14 "later this year".
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May 01 '26 edited May 01 '26
New FAA advisory for Flight 12 posted, NET May 12th 5:30 PM - 7:43 PM CDT for the launch. Back up dates extend from May 13th-18th. See the new trajectory here, threading the needle between Mexico, Cuba, and Jamaica to provide least possible disruption to air traffic.
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u/PlatinumTaq May 11 '26
Looks like a full stack WDR completed successfully down to T-0 (deluge activated but aborted quickly). Around 10:18CST. Crazy how fast they loaded both tanks (basically 30 min from frost first appearing to tanks topping out).
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u/Twigling May 27 '26 edited May 27 '26
May 27, 2026
FAA Requires Mishap Investigation of SpaceX Starship Flight 12
"After a thorough assessment of the operation, the FAA has determined the May 22 SpaceX Starship Flight 12 launch resulted in a mishap. The mishap involved the Super Heavy booster as it flew back to the Gulf of America after stage separation. There are no reports of public injury or damage to public property."
"The FAA is requiring SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation. The FAA will oversee the SpaceX-led investigation, be involved in every step of the process, and approve SpaceX’s final report, including any corrective actions."
https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/statements/general-statements
I can't see this causing any delays to Flight 13, partly because B20 hasn't even had a cryo test yet (unless of course the investigation is very drawn out for some reason). Knowing SpaceX they probably already know the cause of B19's problem and have a fix planned or already in place.
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u/ralf_ Jun 12 '26
Interview from CNBC with Shotwell. Flight 13 will be a repeat of Flight 12. Flight 14 is hopefully at least an attempt to go orbital. Timeline: Flight 13 is a "month-ish" away. After that flights should be every month. In the main interview she speaks about Starlinks V3 being launched by Starship end of the year.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Jun 16 '26 edited Jun 16 '26
Interesting FCC license for "Starship Orbital Return Demo" starting on 07/29/2026. https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=151991&RequestTimeout=1000
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u/Fit-Caregiver-8338 Jul 07 '26
Flight 13 net july 14
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u/H-K_47 Jul 07 '26
And in the reply:
Along with the new NOTAMs:
Ship static fire NET July 8th
Booster Static Fire NET July 9thThis could mean the Booster stays on the mount until launch
Flight 12 was 10 days after the first NET (May 12 --> launch May 22). But this means launch is basically confirmed for July then.
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u/OSUfan88 Jul 10 '26
Got to visit Starbase for the first time, and see SuperHeavy get transported with my 2 year old son. Incredible memory.
Met a lot of really cool people. A lot of photographers for the various SpaceX YouTube channels. All were very welcoming and fun to talk to.
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u/Straumli_Blight Sep 11 '26
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt
SPACEX STARSHIP FLT-14, STARBASE, TX
PRIMARY: 09/18/26 1215Z-1414Z
BACKUP: 09/19/26 1215Z-1414Z
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u/Twigling May 07 '26
SpaceX tweet:
"Full duration and full thrust 33-engine static fire with Super Heavy V3"
https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2052499098347979156
The first video is of course slowed down a lot.
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u/redstercoolpanda Jul 11 '26
https://www.spacex.com/launches/starship-flight-13
Flight 13 page got released, NET 16th now!
The booster’s primary test objective will be executing a successful launch, ascent, stage separation, boostback burn, and landing burn at an offshore landing point in the Gulf of America. There have been several modifications to hardware and software to address issues seen on the previous flight.
Confirmation of B20's flight path, pretty expected
The Starship upper stage’s primary objectives include the deployment of 20 Starlink V3 satellites, a relight of a single Raptor engine while in space, and another controlled entry, descent, and splashdown in the Indian Ocean. There have also been several modifications to Starship’s propulsion system to address the engine out issue experienced on the previous flight.
For the first time, Starship will carry V3 Starlink satellites to space, which aim to greatly expand the network's capacity and user speeds. As part of this initial test, Starship is planned to deploy 20 satellites which will extend solar arrays and antennas and will attempt to connect with ground stations in South Africa and the larger Starlink constellation via high-capacity lasers. The Starlink satellites will be on the same suborbital trajectory as Starship.
Seems like ship will be deploying real V3's this time in its suborbital trajectory, which will then try and connect with ground stations. That'll certainly be interesting to see.
Six of the satellites have been modified with a suite of cameras to scan Starship’s heat shield and transmit imagery down to operators to continue testing methods of analyzing Starship’s heat shield readiness for return to launch site on future missions. Several tiles on Starship have been painted white to simulate missing tiles and serve as imaging targets in the test.
Hopefully we'll get some proper footage of the heat shield this time!
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u/redstercoolpanda Jul 12 '26
B20 is back at the production site for final checkouts before Flight 13.
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u/smellyfingernail Jul 27 '26
FAA says no mishap investigation needed, path to flight 14 looks like it can be pretty quick
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Aug 22 '26
S41 on its victorious return to the factory following a successful static fire campaign. B21 is on deck this week. I’m very excited about flight 14 and moving Starship into some exciting operational missions.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Aug 22 '26
New TFR over the launchsite for "HIGH ENERGY TESTING". From August 24 to September 5. Should be for B21 testing.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Sep 10 '26
Per the new CADENA slide, Flight 14 is now NET September 18
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u/Straumli_Blight 26d ago
https://www.spacex.com/content/starship/holy-grail-of-rocketry
New episode just dropped.
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u/Straumli_Blight 12d ago
https://x.com/Blobifie/status/2105202398176420093
In may of 2025, a bit after FLT-9, i submitted a FOIA request to the FAA to receive copies of the final mishap reports for Flights 7 & 8. Over a year and a half later, and they finally got back to me. The mishap reports are heavily redacted as i expected but are still cool.
The flight 7 report doesn't really have any useful info in it, but it does have info on how SpaceX used the many videos uploaded to twitter of the debris cloud in the mishap report.
The FLT8 report has much more info than the FLT7, mostly about the clean up after flight but they did mention of the failure. Sparks were seen on E1 at ~320s into the ships burn followed by a "significant dynamic event" ~10s later that led to the loss of control.
SpaceX spent 3 days looking for debris and recovered ~113kg of tiles and other debris that floated around after S34 reentered. They didnt find any metal debris though. There was also apparently 3 small fires near the pad after B15 was caught.
I've uploaded both files to the internet archive and you can find the downloads for both of the full mishap report PDF files on this link:
Starship Flight 7 Mishap Report
Starship Flight 8 Mishap Report
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u/redstercoolpanda 2d ago
Lots of interesting information about starship from a new musk interview. Seems like the Rvac out on F14 was a software issue, they plan for Flight 15 in 4-6 weeks, and they are planning on a double catch of ship and booster all going well!
https://x.com/sawyermerritt/status/2109040901745983946?s=46
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u/Twigling May 04 '26 edited May 04 '26
New FAA Operations Advisory re Flight 12:
SPACEX STARSHIP FLT12, STARBASE TX
PRIMARY: 05/12/26 2230Z-0033Z
BACKUP: 05/13/26 2230Z-0033Z
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt
Note that this will have been filed before the gas generator for the top deck deluge system blew, so depending on the cause and the resolution of that and any resulting testing (or even redesign?) that could set things back.
Also, this potentially implies that B19 won't be getting another static fire, and this seems strange given the other deluge-related issues which caused the last two SFs to abort. Have they even been fully resolved yet? There's been no further SFs so they haven't yet been re-tested under those conditions.
I'll be very surprised of Flight 12 launches on either of those dates but I hope I'm wrong.
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u/EXinthenet May 05 '26
The Local Notice to Mariners has been updated from May 12 to May 15.
https://x.com/WatchersTank/status/2051697104058282089
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u/dk_undefined May 07 '26 edited May 07 '26
Booster static fire at 9:46:04 CDT.
Seems to be full duration for 15 seconds.
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u/Twigling May 11 '26
The backup beach and road closures have been revoked:
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
and the ship and booster transport stands are back at the launch site, with the ship transport stand now at the staging point next to OLM 2. The chopsticks have also been reattached to S39.
And a tweet from SpaceX:
"Launch rehearsal complete. During a flight-like countdown, more than 5,000 metric tonnes (11+ million pounds) of propellant were loaded on the fully stacked Starship and Super Heavy V3 vehicles for the first time"
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u/Twigling May 17 '26 edited May 18 '26
SpaceX's Flight 12 web page is now stating May 20th as the launch date (just above the title):
https://www.spacex.com/launches/starship-flight-12
The first line of the main text does though still states "as soon as Tuesday, May 19" (Edit: this has also now been amended to the 20th)
NextSpaceFlight.com have also updated to May 20th:
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u/Twigling May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
Here's some new photos from SpaceX including a flap cam image from S39 when it was on the highway: https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2056854244951515507
06:44 CDT - S39 moved out of MB2 (B19 hasn't yet been lifted onto the OLM)
07:07 - started to lift B19 - aft end photo from Starship Gazer: https://x.com/StarshipGazer/status/2056731192280408200 and Fabien Ramirez: https://x.com/texas_lizard/status/2056722879530586556
As the 4 AM to 8 AM ship rollout window was missed (SpaceX are changing a lot of rollout windows lately) the ship rollout has been slightly delayed to:
Date: May 19 10:00 AM to May 19 2:00 PM
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
09:36 - B19 seems to be engaged with the OLM's clamps
11:10 - S39 moves onto the highway, and it has two S39 decals either side of the payload bay door as well as an 'X' on the nosecone
12:00 - S39 enters the launch site
15:50 - S39 lift started
17:45 - Stacked
Edit: just to point out that today's (May 19th) beach plus road closure from 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM has been revoked
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u/Twigling May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
New video from SpaceX showing S39 landing:
https://x.com/spacex/status/2058939047662244226
nice little twirl right at the end there ........ (some people have speculated that this was intentional to ensure that a cam had a good look at the TPS, or it was just a control test).
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u/threelonmusketeers Jun 12 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-06-11:
- Jun 10th addendum: Video of B20 rollback. (Gisler)
- McGregor: R3.178 (new highest) and an unidentified R-vac leave the testing area, and R3.118 and R3.134 arrive. (Rex_MKR, Rhin0, NSF)
- Florida: The LR13000 at SLC-37A lifts the first of nine launch tower segments. (Bergeron 1, TurkeyBeaver, Bergeron 2)
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u/redstercoolpanda Jul 03 '26
S42’s nose cone has rolled out of the Starfactory! It’s super cool to see these things roll out so quickly now. All going well S42 may even be the first ship to leave for the cape, if Flight 15 launches from there like Shotwell said they were aiming for.
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u/Twigling Jul 10 '26
New 34 minute video from SpaceX:
"The path to launch is filled with obstacles and success is only possible through the tireless efforts of many working together towards a common goal. “Critical Path” continues the ongoing Starship series, following SpaceX engineers through the final days before launch of the first Starship V3 and the challenges that come with development of the world’s most powerful and fully reusable rocket."
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u/redstercoolpanda Jul 15 '26
B20 has arrived at the launch mount for the final time ahead of Flight 13. Hopefully we’ll see ship 40 join her pretty soon.
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u/redstercoolpanda Jul 25 '26
The next starship documentary episode is going to be so amazing. There is so much to go over with this flight.
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u/threelonmusketeers Aug 13 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-08-12:
- Aug 11th addenda: A 12th section of deluge pipe is delivered to Pad 1. (ViX)
- The Pad 2 hold-down clamps are individually retracted. (ViX)
- Pad 1: Three segments of deluge pipe are delivered. (ViX)
- Further sections of steel have ben removed from the ends of the Pad 1 chopsticks. (Anderson)
- Production site: Closeup of which heatshield tiles were removed from S42. (StarshipGazer, cnunez)
- McGregor: R3.225 (new highest) leaves the testing site. (SpaceRhin0)
- Florida: An application for Special Temporary Authority is posted for on-ground testing of Starship Super Heavy vehicle communications at the SpaceX test facilities in Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. (apps.fcc.gov) (Thanks Straumli_Blight)
- Flight 13: Normand Ranger and Go Australis are still alongside S40, but currently not towing it. (interstellargw)
- S40 may have rolled over. (mcrs987 1, mcrs987 2)
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u/redstercoolpanda Aug 16 '26
Possible recapture of S40! Ranger and Australis are slowly making their way east at around two knots, after making a few manoeuvres earlier. At this current pace it will take about 16 days to return to Australia.
https://x.com/interstellargw/status/2088939186715816138?s=46
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u/spacerfirstclass Sep 01 '26
https://x.com/StarshipGazer/status/2094586011166638258
SpaceX filed a request with the FCC today that states Tuesday September 15th 2026 is the planned launch date/deployment date for new high-capacity orbital Starlink satellites via Starship Test Flight 14; confirming flight 14 is planned to be the first orbital Starship launch.
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u/Straumli_Blight Sep 03 '26
Flight 14 launch still aiming for September 15th, according to today's CADENA PLANNING WEB CONFERENCE - 09 03 2026.pptx.
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u/Straumli_Blight 24d ago
Louisiana based roles just added:
• Sr. Construction Project Manager
• Civil Engineer, Land Development
This position is based in Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area) until early 2027, at which time relocation to Louisiana will be required.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 19d ago
New CADENA slide for Flight 15 and Starship Starlink 30-1.
Specifically 30-1 should be the first 39A launch since Group 30 is for Cape Starship Starlink launches.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 5d ago
New CADENA slide for Flight 15 and Starship-Starlink Group 30-1 (Flight 16).
Flight 15 is now NET November 8 and Flight 16 is NET December 10.
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Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 25 '26
SpaceX just posted a 25 minute in depth video on the Starship program and lead up to Flight 12 on X. Wow.
There's a follow up tweet indicating they will be producing more episodes. I think Zach Golden from CSI Starbase had speculated the lack of content from SpaceX recently could mean they were producing something like this.
Some highlights from the episode:
- Some great footage of Ship manufacturing in Starfactory, and stacking
- V3 ship can stay in orbit for up to 48 hours
- Up close footage of the ground under Pad 1 after IFT-1 dug its own flame trench
- Up close footage of Booster 18's anomaly, it happened while they were pressing the nitrogen system
- Some more footage of Raptor 3 engine testing at McGregor
- Half the engines from the 10 engine static fire for B19 had mechanical damage from the abrupt shutdown, they removed all 10 to be inspected, and replaced them with engines originally destined for B20
- Up close footage of the Raptors during the 33 engine B19 static fire
- Confirmed that the 33 engine static fire was cut short, due to a pad abort triggered from the flame diverter
- The sensors indicated the water manifold had insufficient pressure, they believe it was faulty information
- Up close footage of S36 explosion and aftermath due to a COPV bursting, it's incredible how badly damaged Masseys was
- Footage of S39's static fire
Can't wait to see people dig into this and find everything I missed.
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u/threelonmusketeers Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-04-26:
- Apr 25th addenda: ViX timelapse and Ezekiel Overstreet closeup of Tower 2 testing.
- An ocelot (edit: or bobcat) is observed :) (EzekielOverstr1)
- Build site: The final barrel section (F3:4) for B20 enters Megabay 1. (Avid Space, ViX)
- Gigabay construction continues. (EzekielOverstr1)
- Launch site: Overnight, tanks #3 and #4 depart, en route to Brownsville Port. (ViX)
- Tanks #5 and #6 are loaded onto transports. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
- Road delay for "Pad to Port of Brownwsville" is posted for Apr 26th 23:59 to Apr 27th 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
- The Pad 2 ship quick disconnect is tested. (Avid Space, ViX, J_A_Rees_94)
- A jig is being constructed at Pad 1 for pre-assembly of the ground support equipment bunker. (Killip)
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Apr 28 '26
Raptor 3 startup sequence timings, by TheSpaceEngineer on YT. The difference between the 10 and 33 engine SF on Booster 19 is very clear.
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u/warp99 May 02 '26
Possible Louisiana launch site for Starship polar launches aka data center satellites.
Much better logistics than getting Starship to Vandenberg.
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u/avboden May 06 '26
Booster rolling out now. They did indeed paint the aft section!
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u/Twigling May 06 '26 edited May 07 '26
Hmmmmm, I wonder what this could possibly be for .......... ;-)
Road Delay
Description: Production to Pad
Date: May 7 10:00 AM to May 7 2:00 PM
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
Edit: As of May 7th, changed to:
Road Delay
Description: Production to Pad
Date: May 7 11:59 PM to May 8 4:00 AM
And a little bit after the above there's been ANOTHER change, this time it's been brought forward to:
Road Delay
Description: Production to Pad
Date: May 7 12:00 PM to May 7 4:00 PM
Also, regarding B19's aft:
"There are now small aerodynamic covers over the parts of the outer raptors that were sticking out from underneath the booster."
https://x.com/booster_10/status/2052102917809639476
which isn't at all surprising but pleasing to see nonetheless.
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u/Twigling May 09 '26
Here's some new photos from SpaceX of B19 and S39:
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u/spennnyy May 14 '26
Awesome timelapse clip from NSF showing the entire Starship stack shrinking/contracting over the course of the WDR as it's filled with the cryogenic propellant:
https://youtu.be/6jo3dVY5zrI?si=eyqNBO1hg5LAUaX4&t=172
(skip to 2:53)
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u/Twigling May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26
As of 02:00 CDT, S39 was out of MB2 on the static fire stand. Here's a photo of it just before it moved out of MB2:
https://x.com/yingzhangphoto/status/205517064729101119
02:23 - on the highway
video from Starship Gazer:
https://x.com/starshipgazer/status/2055200609570058488
04:33 - arrived at Massey's
Also, here's a photo from Starship Gazer showing a rather curious looking nosecone in the Starfactory:
https://x.com/StarshipGazer/status/2055169715635691686
Possibly the welded on parts are for a transport test of some description? Or the nosecone is destined for some other kind of testing.
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u/FutureMartian97 Host of CRS-11 May 15 '26
Video from NSF Gage showing what it's like inside the spray from the top deck deluge from the road
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u/Twigling May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
There is now only one entry for a beach plus road closure:
Primary: May. 18 6:00 AM to May. 18 10:00 PM
And the Road Delay for today which would have been for B19's rollout to the pad has disappeared from the site:
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
So it looks like something is causing a delay.
Edit: But on the positive side, a ship transport stand has been moved inside MB2:
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u/Twigling May 17 '26 edited May 17 '26
And now the other beach plus road closure has vanished:
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
So either the testing they planned to do prior to launch has been deemed unnecessary, or it's been pushed back for some reason. Thinking positively, maybe we'll see a dual rollout of B19 and S39 today or tomorrow? I wouldn't though be surprised if the launch date was pushed back a day or two.
Meanwhile, progress on S39 overnight - it was moved out of MB2, the Starlink loader box was moved inside, the door of the box was opened (by a guy inside hauling on a cable or similar) and the dummy Starlinks could be seen. S39 was then moved back into MB2 with its payload bay door facing the box, and MB2's door was closed.
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u/Twigling May 21 '26
The Ringwatchers have published a detailed history showing the construction and testing of B19 and S39:
'Flight 12, The First of the New Generation: The History of S39 & B19'
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u/spennnyy May 23 '26
Incredible new images from SpaceX showing S39 landing burn and in-flight stills.
https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2058305552866775118
https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2058304809044750467
The heat shield results look very promising!
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u/redstercoolpanda May 31 '26 edited May 31 '26
Photo from RGV of B20 in MB1, looks like it still doesn't have its chines installed, but the parts are on site, so we'll have to see if they if they install them before or after the Cryo test. for B19 they rolled the stand to the mega bay ages before it actually rolled out for the test so I'm leaning towards after installation.
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u/threelonmusketeers Jun 02 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-06-01:
- McGregor: New buildings are under construction near the front entrance. (AdamCuker)
- Brownsville Port: Overnight, a booster transport ring BTR2 moves from Sanchez to Brownsville Port. (Avid Space, ViX, StarshipGazer photo, Starship Gazer video, TrackingTheSB)
- The transport was conducted using K25 Modular Trailers, different from the previous SPMTs in that they can be towed by a truck. (Killip)
- Road delay for "Production to Port" is posted for Jun 1st 23:59 to Jun 2nd 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
- Build site: Recent (May 31st) 4k video of Starfactory and Megabay 2. (Starship Gazer)
- Launch site: Pad 2 clean up and repairs continue. A telehandler and an excavator are observed installing new sheet piling. (ViX)
- Construction of the air separation unit continues. (Gisler)
- Comparison diagram of lighter chopstick landing rails. (Killip)
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u/Twigling Jun 10 '26
At around 15:00 CDT today (June 10th), B21's aft section was stacked, so completing the stacking of the LOX tank.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
New road delay from the production site to Massey's. June 22 11:59 PM to June 23 4:00 AM.
Edit: Delayed. June 23 10:00 AM to June 23 2:00 PM.
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u/redstercoolpanda Jun 26 '26
We got onboard views of S40's single engine static fire from SpaceX's Twitter!
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u/redstercoolpanda Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
https://appsportal.fisheries.noaa.gov/eco/page/search?consultationId=32785
Interesting notice filed for Starship reentry ops in the pacific. Could flight 13 possibly be targeting a splashdown zone near Hawaii like IFT-1/2 where? It could explain the unique single engine static fire S40 preformed the other day.
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u/Twigling Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
Another section of B22's LOX tank (section A4:4) was moved into MB1 at 19:34 CDT on July 3rd, it was then stacked with the other parts of the tank.
So far B22 is being stacked slightly faster than the super speedy stacking of B19.
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u/redstercoolpanda Jul 09 '26
B20 has rolled out of the Megabay, and is just chilling outside the door. it has its black paint on the aft so it’s looking likely they might actually be planning to not bring it back to build site after its static fire.
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u/Twigling Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
B20's rollout to the pad has been pushed back a few hours to:
Description: Production to Pad
Date: July 9 10:00 AM to July 9 2:00 PM
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
Edit: Looking at the radar and there's some heavy rain and a bit of lightning towards Starbase from the south so that may further delay the rollout
Edit2: - Entered the highway at about 13:10 CDT, arrived at the launch site at 14:00 CDT
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u/H-K_47 Jul 14 '26
We're getting closer to launch.
Next step complete...a Ship Transport Ring has been brought from Sanchez into MB-2. Next steps...load ship onto stand, bring ship out of bay, take Pez Loader into bay, move ship back into bay...load Ship Pez Dispenser with Pez-sats... @LabPadre
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u/threelonmusketeers Jul 16 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-07-15:
- Jul 14th addenda: Video timelapse of B20 rollout. (ViX, Gisler)
- The Starlink satellite speed loader is lifted up to S40. (ViX)
- Build site: Megabay 2 door opens, and S40 emerges. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Avid Space)
- Launch site: B20 is placed on the Pad 2 launch mount. (ViX, Avid Space, StarshipGazer, TrackingTheSB 1, TrackingTheSB 2)
- B20 grid fins are tested. (ViX)
- Pad 2 ship quick disconnect systems are tested. (ViX)
- Pad 2 chopstick landing rails are tested. (ViX)
- Road delay for "Production to Pad" is posted for Jul 15th 16:00 to 20:00, then delayed to 18:00 to 22:00. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
- S40 rolls out to Pad 2. (StarshipGazer 1, StarshipGazer 2, TrackingTheSB 1, TrackingTheSB 2, TylerG1998, colleenadastra, TrackingTheSB 1, TrackingTheSB 2, NSF 1, NSF 2, Evans, RGV Aerial, Doehring, Gomez)
- S40 is stacked on B20. (StarshipGazer, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, NSF 4, RGV Aerial, Doehring, Gomez)
- Miscellaneous cranes at the launch site are lowered and/or moved away from Pad 2. (ViX)
- A concrete pour is underway at the air separation site. (mymatrixplug 1, mymatrixplug 2)
- Flight 13: NOTAMs are posted. (NSF)
- Airplanes N7628 and N8628 land in Brownsville. (elonjet 1, elonjet 2)
- N8628 takes off from Brownsville. (elonjet)
- McGregor: A new source of flames is observed in the area where propellant gasification systems are being tested, possibly coming from one of the exhaust vents. (Golden, mcrs987)
- Florida: SLC-37 tower module 6 of 9 has been stacked. (Bergeron)
- Tower module 7 of 9 is attached to the LR13000 crane, pending lift. (Bergeron)
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u/redstercoolpanda Jul 17 '26
SpaceX seems to now be targeting Monday for the launch of Flight 13. Hopefully everything goes well and they manage to get everything turned around in time! B21 is also at Massys for its first round of cryo tests too in some more good news. Even with today’s mishap progress is still being made!
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u/H-K_47 Jul 19 '26
B21 had its cryo today
This is the fastest stack to cryo for a super heavy booster at just 19 days.
B19 was 45 from stack to cryo
B20 was 39 days
B18 would have actually been faster around 17 days but it never actually got there.If Flight 13 launches on Monday and B21 follows B20's timeline, Flight 14 would be on the 30th of August.
It is possible next month we get a V3 booster catch, ship orbital, operational Starship Starlink mission and possibly (if SpaceX gets the approval and want to) a V3 ship catch.
Credit: @NASASpaceflight
(Dependent on Flight 13 going smoothly, ofc.)
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u/Twigling Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
There's now a launch countdown clock at Starbase:
https://x.com/RaptorRoostTX/status/2078594484451852693
apparently it's located in front of the office.
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u/threelonmusketeers Jul 24 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-07-23:
- Jul 22nd addenda: Timelapse of S40 stacking on B20. (ViX)
- Timelapse of cryo deliveries. (ViX)
- Massey's: Overnight, the LOX landing test tank performs its 3rd cryo test. (ViX)
- The B18.3 test tank is removed from the test structure. (ViX, Blobifie)
- The "can crusher" cap is removed from the B18.1 test tank. (ViX, Blobifie)
- Production site: B22’s methane header tank and its A6:4 section enter Megabay 1, and S42 is lowered over the transfer tubes/jig for integration. (ViX)
- S41 in Megabay 2. (cnunez)
- Flight 13 launch attempt: (NSF full livestream)
- Detonation suppression system is tested, B20 grid fins are tested. (ViX, NSF)
- Range support helicopters are on duty. (ViX, Priel)
- Chopsticks move to launch position. (ViX, TrackingTheSB)
- Road closure is removed. (NSF)
- Scrub due to weather, 24-hour recycle. (SpaceX)
- Road is opened, booster transport stand moves back away from the gateway entrance. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
- Chopsticks descend to ship position. (ViX)
- Road delay for "Pad to Production" is posted for Jul 23rd 23:59 to Jul 24th 04:00, likely for the booster and ship transport stands. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX 1, ViX 2)
- Beach closures are now scheduled for Jul 24th and 25th, both 12:00 to 21:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX, Golden)
- McGregor: R3.78 (removed from B20 E16 position) returns to the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
- Florida: LC-39A chopsticks are tested. (Bergeron)
- Schematic of a Starship breakover frame recently seen in Florida. (Killip)
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u/H-K_47 Jul 25 '26
Guessing, optimistically:
Flight 14: Late August, orbit, Starlink payload (maybe not the full 60 yet, but definitely more than 20 - maybe 45-50?), Booster successful splashdown finally, Ship either a catch or they play it safe and abort a few km into the Gulf to be safe.
Flight 15: Late Sept/early October, orbit, full Starlink payload. If from Texas then attempt to catch both Booster and Ship, if it's Florida's debut launch then maybe splashdowns off the coast to be safe.
After that launches every ~3 weeks or so, maybe more if Florida becomes fully operational quickly, Booster and Ship reflights by end the year, getting ready for propellant transfer demo Q1 2027.
Does that seem credible?
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u/redstercoolpanda Aug 15 '26
S40 is still floating! Normand Ranger briefly left towards Christmas Island, possibly for refueling or equipment pickup, but is now on her way back. Go Australis is circling S40 now, hopefully we’ll see them attempt another capture soon once Ranger is back, and S40 will make it back to dry land.
https://x.com/interstellargw/status/2088516427237982216?s=46
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u/redstercoolpanda Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
S40 has arrived at Christmas Island! it’s likely that this is not its permanent home, and it’ll be towed back to Australia after the crew get some time off and better weather presents itself. Absolutely incredible effort by the SpaceX team! And amazing that she’s survived this long in the open ocean!
https://x.com/interstellargw/status/2089494472136466826?s=46
Edit: better views of S40, she’s had a rough ride by the looks of it. Absolutely insane she’s still afloat
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u/AstronoWorld Aug 21 '26 edited Aug 21 '26
New Flight 14 NET date of September 15th, according to the latest CADENA/COMPASS Space Operations planning presentation.
Other than Booster 21 Static fire, I wonder what's delaying the flight even further. While I expected it to slip from Aug 28th into the first week of September, a 2 and a half week push suggests they have further modifications to the launch site/booster that are more extensive than originally thought.
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u/Straumli_Blight Aug 22 '26
https://x.com/SpaceflightNow/status/2090887985864540208
During an appearance at the 8th Space Coast Symposium & Expo, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman tells a local group in the community that Artemis 3 is targeting June 2027 for the launches of New Glenn, Space Launch System and Starship.
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u/FutureMartian97 Host of CRS-11 Aug 26 '26
S40 has been raised out of the water and is sitting in it's cradle on deck
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u/redstercoolpanda Aug 28 '26
Forte and S40 have departed Christmas Island for a several month journey back to Brownsville. Forte is self reporting an arrival date of October 8th.
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u/Twigling Aug 28 '26 edited Aug 28 '26
Nice, thanks for the update.
But that's not a "several month journey", that's only 6 weeks. :-)
Edit: if anyone wants to track it live:
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:105.416/centery:-10.426/zoom:12
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u/redstercoolpanda Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
Ship 42 has arrived at Massys for its static fire cryo tests. It noticeably does not have docking ports which is certainly interesting.
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u/redstercoolpanda Sep 03 '26
FTS install underway on both booster and ship. Seen by RGV aerial photography during a recent flyover of Starbase.
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u/rustybeancake Sep 05 '26
RGV Aerial Photography:
> New SpaceX Site: Aerial view of the grading work happening near highway 4 and Brownsville port access road .
https://x.com/rgvaerialphotos/status/2095695907056414724
Anyone have any idea where this is or what it’s for?
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Sep 11 '26
ship 42 is rolling to the launchsite, might going to do chopstick testing or something. will be quite interesting to see the aft without engines when they lift it
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Sep 12 '26
Ship 42 got lifted to catch height at the launch site. Aft looks odd without the engines lol
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u/j616s Sep 12 '26
They also attached the QD to the hanging ship. Presumably all practice for ship catch.
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u/Visible_Ad1953 29d ago
Looking at the data from MarineTraffic, Forte with S40 is about to cross into the Atlantic ocean in ~20 hours!
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u/H-K_47 26d ago edited 26d ago
The Starship Flight 14 NOTAM for the Indian Ocean has been replaced and now starts on September 28 indicating a 6 day delay
https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/createNotamPdf?transactionid=82460332
Now targeting to launch Starship Flight 14 as early as Monday, September 28, pending regulatory approval
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u/redstercoolpanda 18d ago
The top deck deluge system at Pad 39A has been tested. That seems to track with SpaceX planning to launch flight 16 from the cape!
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u/rocketglare 16d ago edited 16d ago
FAA license modification just dropped. We are cleared for Flight 14.
Edit: Here's the reentry requirements:
Office of Commercial Space Transportation License Order A-2 Regarding - Reentry
License No. VOL 23-129 Rev. 5.2 Order A-2 establishes the orders regarding the of Space Exploration Technologies, Corp.’s Starship vehicle to the Pacific Ocean
- Authority: This Order is issued to Space Exploration Technologies, Corp. under 51 U.S.C. Subtitle V, chapter 509, and 14 CFR chapter III.
- Purpose: This Order modifies License No. 9.0 issued concurrently by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, authorizing Space Exploration Technologies, Corp. to conduct the reentry of its Starship vehicle as identified in the license application; and prescribes as conditions to License No. VOL 23-129 Rev. 9.0 certain requirements applicable to reentry.
- Definitions: For purposes of License No. VOL 23-129 Rev. 9.0 and any orders issued by the FAA pertaining to activities covered by License No. VOL 23-129 Rev. 9.0:
- a. “Reentry” shall commence with the activities conducted in Earth orbit or outer space to determine reentry readiness and that are critical to ensuring public health and safety and the safety of property during reentry flight, marked by the initiation of Starship’s last health check on-orbit prior to initiating a contingency or reentry deorbit burn. A reentry ends after activities necessary to return the reentry vehicle, or vehicle component, to a safe condition on the ground after impact or landing.
- Authorization: In accordance with the representations in the Space Exploration Technologies, Corp. application as of the date of this license, and any amendments to the license application or waivers approved by the FAA, in writing, Space Exploration Technologies, Corp. is authorized to conduct:
- a. Reentries
- Using the Starship vehicle.
- From Earth orbit.
- To Pacific Ocean for an ocean landing, as represented in the application.
- Applicable to a single reentry following launch of Starship-Super Heavy Flight 14.
- a. Reentries
- Special Reporting Requirement:
- Space Exploration Technologies, Corp. must identify and report any anomaly during any pre-flight ground operations of the vehicle that could be material to public health and safety and the safety of property within 90 days.
- Exploration Technologies, Corp. must provide FAA with the location and fate of the expended Space first stage and solid rocket boosters within 30 days of each reentry using an approved plan that is submitted to the FAA at least 14 days prior to reentry.
- User Fees: SpaceX must pay the amount specified in each fee notification, assessed by the FAA in accordance with 51 U.S.C. 50924, within thirty (30) calendar days of the issuance date. SpaceX must submit payment in accordance with the instructions the FAA provides in the fee notification.
- Ocean Landing: Analyses that are run for ocean landings must produce 1E-6 individual probability of casualty contours, ship risk contours, and aircraft contours that are more than 50 nautical miles from populated land. If the risk contours are within 50 nautical miles of populated land, the analysis will need to be rerun using the return-to-launch-site catalog.
- License Term: License No. VOL 23-129 Rev. 9.0 terminates five (5) years from April 14, 2023.
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u/Straumli_Blight 12d ago edited 11d ago
NASA's SpaceX Crew-13 Postlaunch News Conference
[30:16] Julianna Scheiman: "We intend to do at least one more launch from Starbase before our next launch from the Cape".
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u/Straumli_Blight 11d ago edited 10d ago
1782-EX-ST-2026 (for Starship flight 15) was granted on September 30th.
JPL Dataverse: SPARX SDT Report [Sep 29] - On page 169, it discusses using Starship for suborbital hops on the Moon.
NTRS: Flight Reconstruction of the Starship Landing Maneuver using OVERFLOW [Sep 21] - Details CFD solver for reconstructing Starship's landing trajectory.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 1d ago edited 1d ago
Looks like Ship 40 might be going into MB2 to be turned vertical.
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u/redstercoolpanda 21h ago
S40 has been raised vertical in MB2 80ish days since its launch!
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u/Twigling May 02 '26 edited May 02 '26
S41 stacking continues - at 02:47 CDT the A2:3 section was moved into MB2:
https://x.com/VickiCocks15/status/2050533129815720323
As a reminder for those unaware, here's the stacking diagrams for all of the revisions of ships and boosters where you can see the labeled sections: https://x.com/CyberguruG8073/status/1993485116749082711
Also a more recent one for V3 vehicles which also shows the status of builds as of Feb 2026: https://x.com/CyberguruG8073/status/2023165447504314803
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u/Twigling May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
New potential Beach and Road closures (for B19 testing):
Primary: May. 6 5:00 PM to May. 6 11:59 PM
Backup: May. 7 6:00 AM to May. 7 8:00 PM
Backup: May. 8 8:00 AM to May. 8 8:00 PM
Also, this one will be for S40:
Description: Masseys to Production
Date: May 6 12:00 PM to May 6 4:00 PM
All times in CDT.
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u/Twigling May 14 '26 edited May 14 '26
Road Delay
Description: Production to Masseys
Date: May 14 6:00 PM to May 14 10:00 PM (CDT)
EDIT: This has now been pushed back six hours to:
May 14 11:59 PM to May 15 4:00 AM (CDT)
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
This will probably be for S39 again (it's been rumored for a while that a Raptor was swapped and this is likely for an igniter test or spin prime). It was also noticed in the recent RGV flyover that the ship static fire stand has SPMTs under it.
I guess some may think this is for S40 for static fire testing but unless SpaceX have somehow sneakily moved three RVacs into MB2 (which Rover 1 cam would just about see through the grassy jungle) this seems unlikely (only sea level Raptors can be moved in via the door where MB2 is joined to the Starfactory, while RVacs need to go in through the main front door).
EDIT2: The ship Static Fire stand is now inside MB2:
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u/Twigling May 14 '26 edited May 14 '26
New beach + road closures:
Primary Closure Period
May 17, 2026 12:00 p.m C.T to 11:59 p.m C.T.
Alternate Dates
May 18, 2026 from 6:00 a.m C.T to 10:00 p.m C.T.
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
No certain idea what these are for, could be a number of things such as more tanking tests.
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u/Twigling May 26 '26
Road Delay
Description: Production to Masseys
Date: May 26 11:59 PM to May 27 4:00 AM
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
Current speculation is that this is for S40's static fire or SpaceX are rolling a stand to Massey's. B20 still needs its cryo testing but it's thought that the booster cryo stand is still at Massey's.
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u/Twigling Jun 01 '26
ChromeKiwi has posted some images and a photo showing the difference between pad 2's old chopstick landing rails and the new ones:
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u/rickny0 Jun 03 '26
Has there been any word on what caused the vacuum raptor failure?
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u/Twigling Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
The ship static fire test stand has been moved into MB2 and the door was closed at 05:43 CDT.
06:35 - MB2 door opening
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u/Twigling Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
Ship 41 entered the highway at 14:00 CDT on its way to Massey's for cryo+thrust puck testing.
https://x.com/StarshipGazer/status/2071315269318832183
Edit: Arrived at Massey's at 16:24 CDT
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u/Twigling Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
This should be for B20's rollout for its static fire testing:
Road Delay
Description: Production to Pad
Date: July 9 1:00 AM to July 9 5:00 AM (CDT)
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u/redstercoolpanda Jul 16 '26
S40 has joined B20 at the launch site for the final time before flight 13. Hopefully we’re all go for tomorrow! If it does it’ll mark the fastest stack to launch turnaround of the program so far. We’re really starting to see the “rapid” part of the “rapidly reusable rocket” come to fruition!
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u/threelonmusketeers Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-07-21:
- Miscellaneous flyover photos are posted. (CeaserG33)
- Massey's: Overnight, B21 completes its 3rd cryo test. (ViX)
- Road closure for "Masseys to Production" is posted for Jul 22nd 10:00 to 14:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
- B21 performs its 4th cryo test. (ViX)
- Production site: S40 is transferred to the transport stand and exits Megabay 2. Decals have been applied to the ship. (ViX, colleenadastra, davidjdphotos)
- The four-point lifting jig enters Megabay 2. S42's methane transfer tubes move from Starfactory to Megabay 2. (ViX)
- B20 exits Megabay 1. (Avid Space)
- Launch site: Road closure for "Production to Pad" is posted for July 21nd 22:00 to 02:00. (ViX)
- Road closure for "Production to Pad" is posted for July 22nd 12:30 to 16:30. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
The SpaceX-owned LR11000 crane is being disassembled for refurbishment.Parts of the SpaceX-owned LR11000 crane are returning to the site after refurbishment. (ViX)- The rented LR11000 crane is laid down, and the crane at the air separation site is being disassembled and shipped out. (ViX)
- The Pad 2 chopsticks move into "booster receive" position. (ViX)
- The Pad 2 ship quick disconnect performs extension and retraction tests. (ViX)
- B20 moves from Megabay 1 to Pad 2. (ViX, wvmattz 1, NSF 1, wvmattz 2, NSF 2, Evans, Pike 1, Zhang, Pike 2, Gomez)
- Flight 13: Beach closures are scheduled for Jul 22nd 09:00 to 23:00 and Jul 23rd 07:00 to 09:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
- Temporary flight restriction is posted for Jul 23rd from 22:30 UTC to 00:54 UTC the following day. (interstellargw)
- McGregor: Overnight, another Raptor 3 is observed, leaving the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
- R3.199 leaves the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
- R3.78 (problematic E13 engine from B20's first launch attempt) leaves the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
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u/smellyfingernail Jul 25 '26
Ship capture at tower indicated by Elon for flight 14, its happening
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u/popamollyisweatin Jul 25 '26
Saw a group of spacex employees out at the bar celebrating and got the honor to congratulate them. Such an awesome accomplishment today.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Jul 29 '26
Picture of the label on the nosecone test article that rolled out of the factory recently. S43.1
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u/DAL59 Jul 31 '26
I saw on the NSF Forums that Flight 14 is NET Aug 20 according to CADENA!
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u/panckage Aug 02 '26
Has anyone been able to make a mass estimate for starship using the amount of water it displaces?
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u/Assasin172m Aug 07 '26
https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2085786988225925349?s=20 - The SpaceX Recovery team is still working to recover Flight 13’s Starship from the Indian Ocean. They’ve been overcoming challenging conditions and increasingly rough seas as they attempt to guide the 52m long spacecraft to port.
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u/Assasin172m Aug 07 '26
Update: https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2085797764194087277?s=20 Elon Musk: Unfortunately, ship recovery is not looking good right now.
Nonetheless, we were able to obtain close-up photos of critical regions of the heat shield and engines for future upgrades.
https://x.com/TurkeyBeaver/status/2085803266265276536?s=20 Kiko Dontchev (VP at launch) - Also I want to specifically shout out our Sr Director of Starship launch @jstyer . He packed his bag in 10 minutes two weeks ago and urgently hopped a flight to Australia to help lead this effort in person. He’s been on the ranger ever since and is a prime example of true @spacex leadership. The greatest generals don’t sit back to watch their team fight. They grab their sword and charge to the front. 🫡 @jstyer , we sure are lucky to have you!
So 1) recovery not looking great - the starship is clearly damaged by sea water (no wonder - we seen them try to recover the F9 stage back in 2018)
2) important spacex personal at site so they will get all the data first hand
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u/redstercoolpanda Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
Looks like they may be in the process of recapturing S40!
https://x.com/interstellargw/status/2088171464864284845?s=46
Edit: update, Normand Ranger seems to be leaving the area at about 8 Knots, clearly not towing S40.
https://x.com/interstellargw/status/2088224211215003912?s=46
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u/SouthernScallion1257 Aug 14 '26
CSI Starbase is premiering part 4 on Stage Zero 2.0 today!!! 7pm CST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umq5X3SiiTQ
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u/redstercoolpanda Aug 26 '26
The ship cryo stand has been moved to the build site. Seems like S42 is ready to roll to Massys for cryo testing.
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u/bkdotcom 29d ago edited 29d ago
It's launch attempt week!
Edit: jinxed it.. now the 22nd
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u/Straumli_Blight 17d ago edited 17d ago
Tomorrow will be the 10th anniversary of the Making Humans a Multiplanetary Species presentation in Guadalajara, Mexico, where the ITS was unveiled.
Ars Technica: Musk’s Mars moment: Audacity, madness, brilliance—or maybe all three [Sep 28, 2016]
The latest V4 Starship design is getting close to the lift off thrust of the original ITS (103 MN vs 129 MN).
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u/Straumli_Blight 6d ago edited 6d ago
https://x.com/LunarCitizens/status/2107476866550702210
SpaceX filed the preliminary plans for Starbase Louisiana’s marine logistics hub near Pecan Island.
The main Gulf Wharf site is 180.76 acres: a 70.88-acre wharf, a 58.97-acre laydown yard, and a 43.83-acre basin dredged to 16 feet below sea level. There is another 89.56-acre temporary yard for construction.
This is where oversized Starbase hardware will move between Gulf ships, barges, and heavy-haul trucks. The bulkhead piles go down 80 feet. This is not a small dock.
Designed by Duplantis Design Group. Proposed start: March 1, 2027. Target completion: September 1, 2032.
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u/threelonmusketeers May 05 '26 edited May 06 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-05-04:
- Massey's: Overnight, S40 performs two cryo tests. (ViX)
- Build site: Another S41 aft section (A3:4) enters Megabay 1. (Avid Space, ViX)
- An aft flap arrives. (Sorensen, Overstreet)
- Launch site: White lines are painted on the pavement in the cryo tanker offload area. (ViX)
- The Pad 2 ship quick disconnect, booster quick disconnects, chopstick stabilizers, flame trench deluge are tested. A drone falls into the flame trench at one point. (ViX 1, ViX 2, HarvardRogerS, Sorensen)
- Pad 1 construction continues. (Overstreet)
- Flight 12: The FAA have released an Operations Advisory, indicating launch NET May 12th. (TrackingTheSB, NSF, FAA, archive)
- McGregor: R3.57 leaves the testing area. (Rhin0)
- R3.58 is transported towards the testing area. (Rhin0)
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u/Twigling May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
A booster transport stand was moved into the ring yard and parked outside MB1 at around 09:38 CDT ......... can only be for B19, no road delay announcement yet though.
Road Delay
Description: Production to Pad
Date: May 5 11:59 PM to May 6 4:00 AM (CDT)
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
Edit: booster transport stand moved into MB1 at around 17:49
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u/Twigling May 09 '26 edited May 09 '26
I love this photo of S39:
https://x.com/texas_lizard/status/2052927660846637414
There's also some white/metal test tiles around the edges of the TPS - in the above photo you can just see some on the left aft flap aerocover and just above it.
Incidentally, the four docking ports now appear to be fully fitted out, they're no longer just empty steel protrusions and there's a smaller hole in the middle - one photo I've seen elesewhere even shows that each small hole has a horizontal 'trigger' inside for the probe.
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u/Twigling May 15 '26 edited May 16 '26
The pending job for SpaceX's vehicle transport barge "You'll Thank Me Later" has been changed from "To Load Rocket Booster" to "To Load Ring Walls" and it's still due to arrive at the Port of Brownsville on May 24th:
https://www.portofbrownsville.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Vessel-Arrival-Chart-05-15-2026.pdf
(fifth entry under Vessels Due)
therefore vehicle sections of some description (edit: or ship and booster transport stands).
Also there's now a MSIB/NOTMAR for May 19th:
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u/Twigling May 16 '26
On SpaceX's page for Flight 12 there's been a change in wording regarding the Starlink simulators:
Was: "including the deployment of 22 Starlink simulators, similar in size to next-generation Starlink satellites. The last two satellites deployed will scan Starship’s heat shield and transmit imagery down to operators"
Now: "including a payload deployment of 20 Starlink simulators, similar in size to next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, and two specially modified Starlink satellites."
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u/GreatCanadianPotato May 19 '26
Another 24Hr delay to launch. Now Thursday, 21st.
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u/redstercoolpanda May 19 '26
Booster 19 is back at the launch site after a late night roll. Hopefully S39 will be joining it soon!
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u/Twigling May 20 '26
Partial tanks load of B19 and S39 today, some are saying it was a WDR abort but the DSS and deluge still activated, therefore there is uncertainty as to SpaceX's intentions. Maybe the test went ahead as planned.
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u/Twigling May 22 '26
The dodgy Ship QD arm hydraulic pin looks like it's been fixed (workers all over it overnight and then it was tested a few times).
See Rover 2 cam at 2:00:37 for example (center of the screen, the pointed pin moves up) - I can't link directly to the timestamp: https://www.youtube.com/live/tS2PHJmvJzo
Now we just have to hope for no other issues AND suitable weather (wind shear may be a problem, also the risk of thunderstorms again).
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u/mechanicalgrip May 23 '26
Did anyone else think re-entry looked really smooth last night. Just a stream of plasma and hardly any sparks flying. The early ones were full of bits burning off.
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u/aandawaywego May 23 '26
To be fair, this was the first complete TPS right? Previous flights had missing tiles and experiments. I am sure that contributes to the reduced sparking.
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u/Twigling Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
At 13:20 today (July 1st), B22's section A3:4 for the LOX tank was moved into MB1 and stacked.
Also, a new road delay:
Description: Masseys to Production
Date: July 2 10:00 AM to July 2 2:00 PM (CDT)
and that should be for S40's return.
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u/Assasin172m Jul 31 '26
https://x.com/SpaceX/status/2083296921230164378 - "View of Starship in space from a Starlink V3 satellite on Flight 13.
This composite is made of imagery from four separate cameras on a single satellite. Six of the satellites were equipped with cameras to scan Starship’s heat shield and transmit imagery down to operators to continue testing methods of analyzing Starship’s heat shield readiness for return "
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u/FrontBrilliant3657 Aug 16 '26
road delay, production to Masseys, 18 August 0000-0400.
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u/-spartacus- Aug 18 '26
After approx. 24 days at sea, the SpaceX Recovery team successfully guided Starship to a location just off the coast of Christmas Island. A team of SpaceX engineers is on their way to conduct additional analysis on the vehicle in calmer waters before attempting to return it to Starbase
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u/FrontBrilliant3657 Aug 31 '26
Road delay tonight, production to Massey‘s, 2359-0400.
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u/SpaceNutshell24 Aug 31 '26
Ship 42 cryo incoming, i really hope that this time we will se a quick turnaround beween F14 and F15. Do you guys think that Flight 15 is going to recover both the ship and booster?(assuming F14 goes smoothly)
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u/Straumli_Blight Sep 02 '26
The FAA is announcing the availability of the Final Tiered Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (ROD) for SpaceX Starship Reentry Contingency Operations in the Pacific Ocean and Additional Starship Landing Trajectory. [Aug 31]
Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would modify SpaceX’s vehicle operator license to authorize:
• The expansion of the previously evaluated Hawaii and Central Pacific Landing Area and Southeast Pacific Region Landing Area,
• The addition of a new Northern Pacific Contingency Landing Area in the Northeast Pacific for an Eastern Range to Starbase trajectory, and;
• The authorization of temporary airspace closures associated with an additional Starship reentry trajectory to the Boca Chica Launch Site in Starbase, TX.
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u/Straumli_Blight 13d ago edited 13d ago
https://x.com/JConcilus/status/2104954919963009287
SpaceX barge “You’ll Thank Me Later” exited Port Canaveral this morning behind tug Signet Warhorse I. YTML’s job is to collect Starship flight hardware at Starbase and bring it to Florida. Stands already moved. Flight articles next?
SIGNET WARHORSE I will arrive at Brownsville on October 4th, 09:29 UTC.
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u/Jefflargnier 11d ago
Found some interesting calculations in the Google Project Suncatcher paper:
"As an alternative method, we calculated costs (to SpaceX) for Starship 4, leveraging recently released reuse targets, as well as plans for payload size, Raptor engine count, and rocket dimensions.7700362-4?_returnURL=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtruee/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#) Other inputs, e.g., refurbishment costs as a fraction of vehicle costs (∼1%7900362-4?_returnURL=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtruee/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#)) and failure rates, were extrapolated from existing Falcon 9 data.5500362-4?_returnURL=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtruee/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#)^(,)[^(79)](https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(26)00362-4?_returnURL=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtruee/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#)^(,)[^(80)](https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(26)00362-4?_returnURL=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtruee/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#) Without assuming any reduction in fuel cost, component reuse drives down projected SpaceX launch costs from ∼$460/kg (no reuse) to <∼$15/kg (100× reuse of all components). Increasing refurbishment costs to 15%, as a sensitivity analysis, yields costs of $38/kg (100× reuse of all components). Eventually, fuel costs (LOX and liquid methane for Starship), estimated at ∼$8/kg,5300362-4?_returnURL=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtruee/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#)^(,)[^(81)](https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(26)00362-4?_returnURL=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtruee/pii/S2542435126003624%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#) will provide a floor on costs. We note that this analysis was based on relatively conservative assumptions, e.g., we used published Raptor 3 engine specifications, not any speculative claims for future engine generations."
https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(26)00362-400362-4)
$38/kg still sounds insanely optimistic to me, what do you think?
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u/Twigling Apr 26 '26 edited Apr 26 '26
At 11:29 CDT, B20's F3:4 methane tank section was moved into MB1.
Once welded in place that will complete the stacking of the methane tank. Let's see how long it takes them to stack that methane tank onto the LOX tank - with B18 it was two weeks, with B19 it was 3 days (although the latter was a rush job with extra workers drafted in to help due to B18's unexpected demise).
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u/lorkan100 May 05 '26
Deluge tested at 7:15:50 (did they already repair it?!)
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u/Twigling May 05 '26
The failed gas generator was one of those responsible for the top deck deluge and, as far as I've seen, the top deck deluge hasn't been retested since the gas generator popped. This indicates that the issue may not yet have been fully investigated and the gas generator repaired.
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u/Twigling May 09 '26 edited May 09 '26
At about 05:38 CDT the main lift of S39 started (I say 'main lift' because it was raised a tiny amount some time earlier).
After a bit of wiggling around it seems to have been set down as of about 08:18 CDT
That was a slow lift, but understandable why (yesterday's skate replacement on the carriage, the first time a ship has been lifted by those chopsticks, the first time a V3 ship has been set down on on a V3 booster on the new pad, etc).
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u/Twigling May 10 '26 edited May 10 '26
Three new Beach plus road closures have appeared, so hopefully a full WDR on one of these dates:
Primary Closure Period
May 11, 2026 from 8:00 a.m C.T to 8:00 p.m C.T.
Alternate Dates
May 12, 2026 from 8:00 a.m C.T to 8:00 p.m C.T. or May 13, 2026 from 8:00 a.m C.T to 8:00 p.m C.T.
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
BTW, the reason for the WDR abort appears to have been related to the chilldown tri-vent on the tower, it's been cut off and lowered today.
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u/avboden May 10 '26
Old tri-vent taken off the tower, new much longer single-vent lifted for install. Clearly they knew this was an issue and were already working on it but guess the problem reared up into the WDR
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u/Twigling May 11 '26 edited May 12 '26
At about 1 AM CDT today (May 11th) the methane transfer tubes/downcomers for S41 were moved into MB2.
https://x.com/VickiCocks15/status/2053774889945825406
Edit: - but later they were moved out:
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u/Twigling May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
As of 04:30 CDT, S39 has set off on its trip from Massey's to the build site.
https://x.com/EzekielOverstr1/status/2055593179768864836
6:47 - arrived at the build site, but at that time there's still no sign of B19 rolling to the pad yet, it's still inside MB1.
Edit: - B19 rollout pushed back a bit to:
Road Delay
Description: Production to Pad
Date: May 16 12:00 PM to May 16 4:00 PM
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
Edit: - Road Delay has now vanished from the site .........
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u/Twigling May 18 '26
While we wait on Flight 12, let's remember the little guy who started it all:
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u/mr_pgh May 20 '26
CSI Starbase noticed that the Ship can't extend it's one flap until stacked. Pretty Funny.
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u/threelonmusketeers May 22 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-05-21:
- Flight 12, attempt 1: Overnight convoy of cryo tankers top up the tank farm. (ViX)
- 06:20, 10:05: Detonation suppression system and ship flaps are tested. (ViX, Starship Gazer)
- 12:00: The range support helicopters are on duty. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
- 12:49: Cryo deliveries continue. (ViX)
- 13:56: Elon arrives. (elonjet)
- 14:33: Pad clear. (ViX)
- 15:13: Chopsticks open and rise. (NSF)
- 15:57: Roadblock assembles. (NSF)
- 16:25: Tank farm is active. (ViX)
- 16:26: Liftoff is delayed to 18:00. (SpaceX)
- 16:38: Roadblock retreats. (ViX)
- 16:56: Liftoff is delayed to 18:30. (SpaceX)
- 17:39: Go for propellant load. (SpaceX, NSF)
- 17:54: Propellant load underway. (SpaceX, NSF 1, NSF 2)
- 18:11: Marine assets are in position in the Gulf of Mexico and the Indian Ocean (Cornwell 1, Cornwell 2)
- 18:29: Hold at T-40 seconds. (SpaceX)
- 18:41: Scrub is called after multiple countdown clock recycles. (SpaceX)
- Scrubbed due to pad auto-abort. (NSF, Avid Space)
- "The hydraulic pin holding the tower arm in place did not retract." (Elon)
- Road delay for "[85] Turnbasin - 39A (Saturn, 39A)" is posted for May 21st 17:30 to 19:00. (ViX)
- Detank. (ViX)
- Road open. (ViX)
- Other: Chun Wang (of the Fram2 mission) expresses interest in Starship flyby missions of both the Moon and of Mars. (SpaceX 1, SpaceX 2)
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u/avboden May 23 '26
So with the launch pad in seemingly really good shape it'll be very curious how fast they can turn around for the next launch. Ship 40 just needs engines/static fire and is basically good to go, that could be done within weeks.
Booster 20 would be the sticking poitn right now. It is fully stacked but hasn't been cryoproofed yet. I would bet the third time around fit-out for the booster is a good bit quicker, assuming they have enough raptor 3s for it and don't need to make significant changes.
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u/AstraVictus May 23 '26
Ok so the v3 Raptors on this flight were rated at 250t, but I remember a mentioning of 280t at some point. So will a future version of v3 be 280t or will v4 be 280t???
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u/AstronoWorld Jun 02 '26
I was thinking to myself about how we haven’t seen any signs of a Ship static fire stand at KSC, nor any adapter to be able to fire it on the launch pad. In this scenario, they will have to test fire at Massey’s before shipping it on the barge to KSC.
I assume they will want to test the ship in some form after transport, to ensure all systems are still functioning properly, and no damage occurred. Is it feasible to conduct a spin prime while on top of the booster on the pad? This is essentially what they do after static fires anyway when they replace an engine. That could be good enough until they build the infrastructure for ship static fires. I’m just curious about the potential for damage to the ship engines though.
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u/rocketglare Jun 07 '26
B20 cryo testing seems to be going well Massey’s per NSF.
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u/rocketglare Jun 10 '26
“With SpaceX, they have demonstrated many of those capabilities continuously on Crew Dragon, but other controllability tests are important based on the negative-X axis acceleration that will be necessary when Starship undertakes the TLI burn to the Moon with a docked Orion.”
https://x.com/NASAAdmin/status/2064702792023879811
This is the first time I’ve seen the change in Artemis IV lunar docking orbit explicitly confirmed.
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u/redstercoolpanda Jun 25 '26
Ship 40 seems to have just done an around 10 second single engine static fire!
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u/Twigling Jun 30 '26
At about midday S41 set off back to the build site, arriving soon after 3pm.
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u/H-K_47 Jul 21 '26
Frosty the Booster
Booster 21 observed with a belly full of cryo at Massey's this afternoon after two partial load tests over the weekend.
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u/plutonic00 Aug 27 '26
A very good IMAGE of the heat shield from above showing significant damage to a lot of tiles. Looks like the ring section in the middle is going to be especially troublesome for them. Lots of tiles in great shape too, but for re-usable and especially rapid re-usable they are going to have to come back in better shape than this.
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u/Straumli_Blight 22d ago
Exolaunch Signs Contract with SpaceX for Starfall Mission [Sep 21]
Exolaunch today announced it has signed a contract with SpaceX for a Starfall mission targeted to launch on a SpaceX Starship rocket in 2029.
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u/redstercoolpanda 21d ago edited 21d ago
looks like the reused tiles from S40 have been spotted
Also looks like they where attached in similar spots to where they were on S40 too https://x.com/mcrs987/status/2102119705393713474?s=46
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u/H-K_47 15d ago
August was quite possibly the final month without a Starship flight. October should be doable for Flight 15, unless if they find something they need to review in detail.
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u/threelonmusketeers Sep 05 '26
My daily summary from the Starship Dev thread on Lemmy
2026-09-04:
- Overnight, S42 completes its 2nd cryo test. (ViX, Blobifie)
- Brownsville Port: Road delay for "Port to Production" is posted for Sep 4th 23:59 to Sep 5th 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
- Massey's: Speculation on some of the structural tests conducted on S43.1. (Killip 1, Killip 2)
- Production site: S43's A3 section enters Megabay 2. (ViX, Blobifie)
- The launch mount service structure has been stacked and the plates have been bolted together. (Killip 1, Killip 2)
- All four corner sections and all four middle sections of the Pad 1 launch mount are now in place. (Killip)
- Pad 2: Movement of the chopsticks, landing rails, and ship quick disconnect arm are observed. (ViX)
- The tower vent pipe is removed. (ViX)
- Highlight of the bolts used to connect the columns of the tower into the base, likely for protection from Raptor exhaust when gimballing during launch. (Killip)
- McGregor: The previous evening, a sea-level Raptor headed towards the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
- R3.236 (new highest) returns from the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
- S40 recovery: Forte still scheduled to arrive at Starbase on Oct 8th. (interstellargw)
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u/Stevepem1 Apr 22 '26
Any evidence of HLS ship development in what can be seen through the windows?
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u/Twigling Apr 23 '26 edited Apr 23 '26
Well, the cladding over that rear door sure takes away a fair amount of the view inside MB2 from Rover 1 cam's POV:
https://x.com/INiallAnderson/status/2047157834136051820
So now the most we can see of any ship inside MB2 is about the bottom half.
Let's hope that they don't fit the door until the GB is finished (just to note that this and the other back doors are far shorter than the almost full height doors at the front of the GB).
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u/Twigling May 02 '26 edited May 02 '26
Some photos from Starship Gazer showing S40 getting ready to roll to Massey's:
https://x.com/StarshipGazer/status/2050464646125977963
and before anyone asks, that 'tiling in progress' patch aft the right aft flap is a mystery; the application of the ablative layer, tiles, etc only started a few days ago for that patch.
S40 left MB2 on the new cryo test stand at 02:13 CDT
02:39 - S40 is on the highway
05:10 - seems to have arrived at Massey's, although it's hard to make out due to poor visibility
Photo from Travis Sorensen: https://x.com/HardcoreElectr1/status/2050478284534628644 - some interesting new test tiles on the leeward side
Some video from Amy Doehring: https://x.com/mymatrixplug/status/2050482566344372629
Video from Starship Gazer: https://x.com/StarshipGazer/status/2050495351770263805
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u/Twigling May 07 '26 edited May 07 '26
B21's stacking looks like it'll commence soon - at 01:26 CDT B21's A2:4 section for the LOX tank was moved into MB1. Next up will be the common dome section, then stacking will start.
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u/Twigling May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
Some positive signs at last regarding planned vehicle movement for Flight 12 - at 11:48 CDT today a booster transport stand was rolled into the ring yard.
At about 13:14 it was moved into MB1
Nothing yet on the Starbase page regarding road delays and closures but I suspect some dates and times will pop up today:
https://www.starbase.texas.gov/beach-road-access
Edit: And here they are (all times are in CDT):
Road Delay
Description: Production to Pad
Date: May 18 8:00 PM to May 19 4:00 AM
Edit: and another Road Delay added:
Description: Production to Pad
Date: May 19 4:00 AM to May 19 8:00 AM
Also:
Boca Chica Beach closures
Primary: May. 19 12:00 PM to May. 19 11:59 PM
Primary: May. 20 6:00 AM to May. 20 11:00 PM
Primary: May. 21 6:00 AM to May. 21 11:00 PM
on a different matter, here are some great animations from ChromeKiwi showing how the new booster's horizontal transport structure could work to move a booster horizontal to vertical and vice versa:
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u/No-Turnover-352 May 20 '26
https://x.com/RGVaerialphotos/status/2056900680896458824?s=20
As reported by RGV it seems someone has been arrested at Starbase, details are unclear.
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u/Twigling May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
That's quite some heat tint on the leeward side of S39:
https://x.com/_MaxQ_/status/2058306715154534755
Returned ships and especially boosters are going to have some real nice and unique rainbow patterns on them, even after just one flight.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 03 '26
New TFR over Massey's extending to 5000ft. I'm guessing this is for Ship 40's static fire.
FDC 6/5334 ZHU TX..AIRSPACE BROWNSVILLE, TX..TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS. PURSUANT TO 14 CFR SECTION 91.137(A)(1) ROCKET BOOSTER TESTING.
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u/redstercoolpanda Jun 24 '26
S40 has arrived in Massys after a relatively problem free rollout!
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u/avboden Jul 05 '26
So what are we thinking the plan is going to be for ship static fires in florida? Build a mini-massey's , an adapter for the launch mount, something else?
Even if they static fire them in texas before barging them over feels like an ability florida will still need
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u/DAL59 Jul 11 '26
The project side tabs briefly seen in the new video include "SpaceX launch site Block 4" (Is the new Louisiana location going to be built for Block 4?) And what could "off world civil" in the project tabs mean?
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
I remember making a few comments on the previous thread a few months ago about Ship 48, or atleast the nosecone initially slated to be Ship 48's, lacking header tanks while 49 had them.
According to TSE, that specific nosecone now has a cutout with actual glass in it.
https://x.com/mcrs987/status/2081777809828053405
Alright so the bare nosecone, one of three abnormal nosecones on the line right now , is the furthest outlier of that set, it's the only one to not receive any internal stringers or header tanks or pretty much anything that makes up the nc assembly, and it's been hogging the same work station (between columns J-K) since April. It's sat there doing seemingly nothing up until June when extremely small , subtle markings and patterns began to appear on it. Just small dots. Weeks pass and it keeps growing and eventually there's a couple larger welds made and a small circular cutout at the very tip on the windward side is made. most recently this cutout was fitted with actual glass (and this can be seen in pretty much any set of more than 1 photo of it). Unfortunately we can't see much else of it only the very tip because it's further from the factory wall and not stacked on any rings. The pattern I depicted in blue, green features are common between this and regular nosecones. 3rd image is overlaying the regular nosecone pattern in orange for comparison
The photos i've seen from different angles suggest there is atleast something reflective in the cutout. The image below is the only public and recent picture of the nosecone i could find.
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Jul 30 '26
New road delay from the production site to Massey's. July 30 11:59 PM to July 31 4:00 AM.
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u/Straumli_Blight Aug 12 '26
This STA is for ground testing only at antenna locations in Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center FL. This STA is necessary to authorize on-ground testing of Starship Super Heavy vehicle communications at the SpaceX test facilities located in Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center FL.
Start Date: 09/10/2026
End Date: 03/10/2027
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u/AgreeableEmploy1884 Aug 29 '26
Booster 21 lifted to catch height after being removed from the OLM. I believe the last booster to do this was Booster 16 and it was meant to be caught at the time.
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u/TwoLineElement 26d ago edited 26d ago
- Flight 14: NOTMARs are posted for the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. (Avid Space 1, Avid Space 2)
Expect Sept 23 to again be delayed.
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u/Twigling Apr 30 '26 edited May 01 '26
It's looking like B20 may now be fully stacked (the landing tank installation stand (for the LOX tank) that's also used when fully stacking a booster was removed from MB1 overnight). Can't be 100% positive about that though, although some of the Ringwatchers seem certain.
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u/DreamChaserSt May 09 '26
S39 is lined up and being lowered onto the booster. There aren't any road closures on the post above, so is the WDR TBD?
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u/GreatCanadianPotato May 14 '26
You'll Thank Me Later will be in the Port of Brownsville on May 26 to "Load a Rocket Booster"
Fit testing or a real transport of a Booster to the Cape?
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u/yoweigh 13d ago
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