Currently the General Timeline is divided in 4 articles which are linked below:
- General Timeline: 2019 and before
- General Timeline: 2020-2021
- General Timeline: 2022-2023
- General Timeline: 2024-2025
Welcome to the general Timeline. Here, all updates and events will be posted. Date, description and source, with a link if possible, must be provided. Timeline sections in any other articles (such as the SN articles) should only refer to this page.
Events and activities are assigned to the days according to local time.
This page should be kept in a manner that it is search-friendly (CTRL+F).
Abbreviations[]
- B: Super heavy booster number [new designation]
- BN: Super heavy booster serial number (first stage of the rocket)
- CH4: (Liquid) methane
- COPV: Composite overwrapped pressure vessel (black helium tank for tank pressurisation)
- FST: FutureSpaceTourist
- GSE: Ground support equipment, including ground tanks
- HPU: Hydraulic pressure unit (on booster)
- IT: Integration tower (for catching boosters and stacking starship)
- LN2: Liquid nitrogen
- LOX: Liquid oxygen
- LR: Liebherr crane
- MSIB: Marine safety information bulletin
- NET: No earlier than [+date] (but very likely later)
- NSF: NASASpaceflight
- OLM: Orbital launch mount
- OLS: Orbital launch site (the east part of the launch site)
- PB: Power bay or comms building (at the far east of the OLS)
- PPS: Propellant production site (prop prod site)
- QD: Quick disconnect (arm)
- RB: Raptor boost
- RC: Road closure (prim and sec - primary and secondary)
- RC: Raptor Center (same as raptor boost, but with gimballing capability)
- RSN: Raptor engine serial number
- RVac: Raptor vacuum engine
- S: Ship (upper stage) [new designation]
- SH: Starhopper
- SF: Static fire
- SN: Starship serial number (upper stage of the rocket)
- SoLS: Suborbital launch site
- SPMT: Self propelled modular transporter
- TFR: Temporary flight restriction (for flight tests, issued by FAA)
- TPS: Thermal protection system heat shield tiles (hexagonal black tiles)
- TVC: Thrust vector control, by engine gimbal; hydraulic or electric
2023[]
December 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.2023 | |||
| 30.12.2023 | S30 moved to Massey's Outpost
LR11000X moved to SoLS Pad B B10 lifted off OLM |
LabPadre | |
| 29.12.2023 | One of the Mega Bay 2 bridge cranes picked up the 2pt ship lifting jig
B12 moved from Mega Bay 1 to Massey's test site [Massey's outpost according to official sign] OLIT#3 Tower segment and GSE-tank arrived in south Texas on a barge Chopsticks moved up above the SQD arm S29 moved out of high bay and into mega bay 2 Elon Musk info: "The super heavy booster can be used more frequently than the ship, as it returns in about ~6 minutes and can theoretically be ready for reflght in an hour. The ship needs to complete at least one orbit, but often several to have the ground track line back up with the launch site, so reuse may only be daily. This means that ship production needs to be roughly an order of magnitude higher than booster production. To achieve Mars colonization in roughly three decades, we need ship production to be 100/year, but ideally rising to 300/year." S28 static fire (likely single engine) B10 33 engine long-duration static fire S29 attached to 2-point ship lifter in mega bay 2 |
LabPadre | |
| 28.12.2023 | Sixth new cryogenic storage tank of the OLS tank farm extension was delivered
New intermittent RC for 2 January 2024 (6-9am) Overpressure notice issued to residents for S28 and B10 static fire of tomorrow B12 lifted onto thrust simulator that was moved into mega bay 1 earlier today |
LabPadre | |
| 27.12.2023 | B20 transport stand moved at the launch site
B10 transport stand moved at the launch site Booster thrust simulator stand moved from Massey's to build site |
LabPadre | |
| 26.12.2023 | S24.2 is scrapped
Chopsticks lowered to bottom stop at 15:50-16:30 Scaffolding erected up to B10 LOX tank hatch |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 23.12.2023 | B10 transport stand moved back next to LR11000
SpaceX sign delivered to launch site and installed above gate D1 [Rusty Buckets] |
LabPadre | |
| 22.12.2023 | HLS: Recently, the HLS Starship sub-scale mockup elevator has been tested by NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Doug Wheelock NASA
Detonation suppression system tested at OLM Overpressure notice issued to residents Mary and road was closed for a potentially planed B10 static fire test. No test occurred. B10 transport stand moved at launch site |
LabPadre | |
| 21.12.2023 | IFT-2 (Starship Flight test 2) post launch conference [see IFT-2], confirmation that SpaceX plans to build a second pad at Starbase
B10 static fire test aborted. Engine purge testing also occurred afterward. |
Nasaspaceflight
LabPadre |
|
| 20.12.2023 | B10 transport stand moved away from OLP
Overpressure notice issued to residents for today's test of S28 Mary Back of BQD hood reattached Booster engine installation stand moved back to build site S28 performs a static fire of all 6 engines; payload bay door also tested later on. B10 igniter test at 16:12:46 Overpressure notice issued to residents for B10 test tomorrow Mary OLM work platform lowered in the morning, moved away from launch site in the evening Scaffolding removed from OLM |
Nasaspaceflight
Labpadre |
|
| 19.12.2023 | Ship QD arm retracted early morning
B10 was lifted and has been secured onto the OLM becoming the fourth booster to take this position; fireX testing conducted. BQD attached to B10 |
Brendan Lewis Discord | |
| 18.12.2023 | B10 moved to the launch siteB10 pressure hoses reattached Starship Gazer
B13 F2:3 staged in front of Mega Bay 1 "A barge carrying a Starship launch pad tower segment and methane tanks is departing the turn basin dock at the Kennedy Space Center." Spaceflight Now Back of BQD hood moved to OLM area Nosecone welding turntable spotted in the starfactory expansion, the first known construction hardware to be installed LabPadre |
Labpadre
The Ringwatchers |
|
| 17.12.2023 | Main ring of the third and final new-style booster work stand for mega bay arrived at the ring yard from Sanchez | ||
| 16.12.2023 | B13 M:20 stacked onto AX:4 making it the A:24 [LOX tank stacked onto thrust section]
Both SPMTs from S28 transport left the launch site as well as the transport stand Top ring of the new ship engine installation stand spotted inside mega bay 2 S28 spin prime test |
||
| 15.12.2023 | LR11000X detached from S28
OLIT#3 segment 7 moved to Kennedy Space Center turning basin from Robert's Road facility S28 aft and forward flaps underwent several actuation tests after having been opened around 9:20 B13 AX:4 (thrust section) moved into the Mega Bay for stacking. Starlink gateway dishes lifted onto the new concrete building at Sanchez site LR11000X moved away from Pad B and later to OLS tank farm near gate D2 |
The Ringwatchers
Labpadre Nasaspaceflight |
|
| 14.12.2023 | Christmas lights added to OLIT stairs and SQD arm
S28 rolled out in a festive manner and was lifted onto Pad B by LR11000X S29 and S30 are shuffled around in the high bay, with S29 moving to the tiling station and S30 rolling back and placed in the back of the high bay S24.2 lifted out of the Structural Testing Cage at Massey's |
||
| 13.12.2023 | Pipe prefabrication building in Boca Chica village demolished just 4 months after construction Cosmical Chief
Transport closure for S28 added (12:30am–3:00am on 14 Dec) SoLS Pad A demolished SPMTs moved into high bay for S30 movement S30 moved out of the high bay to make way for S28 roll out SPMTs decorated with lights and a Christmas tree moved to highbay for S28 roll out |
||
| 12.12.2023 | LR11000X detached from SQD after it was lifted off the OLIT
LR11000X rolled away from OLIT back to SoLS Pad B New intermittent RC for 12 December (3pm-7pm) SoLS Pad A being demolished with beams and columns being cut and removed "Orbital Pad clear" siren and PA message First column of next section of Starfactory expansion raised Kathy Lueders update in Brownsville:
|
||
| 11.12.2023 | B12 moved from front left corner to the new stand in the back left corner of mega bay (previous position of B10)
B7.1 test tank is scrapped at Massey's site S26 disconnected from load spreader and moved back into previous position at rocket garden |
||
| 10.12.2023 | SQD attached to LR11000X and cut free and detached, not yet lifted off the OLIT | LabPadre | |
| 9.12.2023 | A recent flyover confirms that SN15's aft section is now completely scrapped.
Two SPMTs with counterweights moved into high bay |
RGV aerial photography
The Ringwatchers LabPadre |
|
| 8.12.2023 | New info from Air Force regarding the Rocket Cargo Contract: "Next year, the Air Force also plans to have a cargo bay mockup — basically the upper half of a Starship — it can use to refine the techniques for rapidly loading and unloading 20-foot containers from a rocket. That mockup is now in the final stages of construction by the engineering firm SES in Alliance, Ohio." Spanjers
Tanks moved towards Massey's test site Chopstickes rose Today's closure revoked New intermittent RC for December 10 (12pm to 2am) |
LabPadre | |
| 7.12.2023 | SpaceX IFT-2 (Second flight test) recap video released, confirmed S28 and B10 (Starship 20/28) for IFT-3
S26 moved closer to the engine installation stand, attached to LR1750 |
LabPadre | |
| 6.12.2023 | S27 AX:4 is scrapped, dome remnants still visible on 8 Dec
B10 moved to the rocket garden |
The Ringwatchers
Labpadre |
|
| 5.12.2023 | New booster transport stand moved into mega bay 1
Ship lifting squid delivered to launch site SQD arm retracted at 10:00 B10 conducts grid fin testing and is later lifted off the engine installateion stand onto a new-style transport stand B10 is moved out of the mega bay towards the rocket garden Chopsticks raised to the top of the tower and then descended back to the stop; SQD arm swung back in |
||
| 4.12.2023 | B10 HS:1 (hot staging ring) lifted onto booster and installed in the Megabay
S33 ML:4 moved to the scrapyard IFT-3 update: "At the Natl Acad cmte meeting, NASA's Lakiesha Hawkins shows a slide that says SpaceX will do a propellant transfer demo on their next Starship test." Marcia Smith 'Gateway to Mars' sign lit up for the first time B10 hooked up to both bridge cranes in MB1; new-style transport stand moved out of rocket garden towards mega bay |
||
| 2.12.2023 | "Gateway to Mars" sign lit up slightly
Wall along OLS tank farm starting from gate D2 has started being dismantled |
LabPadre | |
| 1.12.2023 | Back of Booster QD hood removed at OLM | LabPadre |
November 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.11.2023 | NASA Artemis program: HLS challenges gao.gov lead to potential delays with a crewed landing on the moon unlikely to happen in 2025. One reason is the delay of OFT-1 by 7 months to April 2023
"Gateway to Mars" sign completed |
LabPadre | |
| 29.11.2023 | LR11000 went back up after being laid down for launch of IFT-2
First of the two booster stabilization pins atop OLM reinstalled 4th and 5th Horizontal storage tanks delivered to the launch site and installed |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre Nsf Live | |
| 28.11.2023 | First horizontal storage tank installed on the first set of new tank pedestals
S33 AX:4 moved to the scrapyard, questioning the existence of this Ship New sign delivered to launch site and being installed on the black wall outside the SoLS tank farm ["Gateway to Mars"] 3rd and 2nd new Horizontal storage tanks delivered to the launch site | ||
| 27.11.2023 | Both CO2 tanks installed on B11
S24.2's bottom ring weld on the "windward" side buckles during an apparent structural test New 'Gateway to Mars' sign letters spotted New Horizontal storage tank delivered to the launch site [First of 5] OLM work platform moved over to the vicinity of the OLM and was raised | ||
| 24.11.2023 | Elon Musk hinted to a Version 2 Starship:
-"Four more Starships, the last of V1" X -"Version 2 of the ship holds more propellant, reduces dry mass and improves reliability" X NC36 is scrapped [Believed for S33?] B11 CO2 purge tanks added | ||
| 23.11.2023 | S28 rolled to the highbay; S30 also returns to the highbay - all 4 ships now in high bay | ||
| 22.11.2023 | SpaceX released tracking camera footage of the booster MECO, where 30 of 33 engines shut down in preparation for hot-staging
S28 scaffolding removed after supporting work inside its tank ever since the ship was put on the engine installation stand at Sanchez site Booster transport stand returned to sanchez site after being staged outside Mega Bay 1 S30 moved out of high bay weighed down in front of high bay S28 detached from lifting squid S28 reconnected to lifting squid and lifted off the engine installation stand | ||
| 21.11.2023 | Booster Raptor installation work platform returned to the launch site at 2:14am
One of the large black rings being constructed in Sanchez moved to the build site, possibly new version of the booster transport stand Elon Musk Update on Raptor engine production and next generation engines: "Could make them faster, but engine production is not the limiting factor. I’m very excited about the next-gen Raptor engine that is robust enough not to require a heat shield. Will also have more thrust, higher Isp and many other improvements." X | ||
| 20.11.2023 | B11 lifted off thrust simulator stand (from Massey's stand) onto engine installation stand inside Mega bay 1
OLM work platform returned to launch site at 5:37 am SpaceX has begun posting signs indicating that the rocket garden portion of Remedios avenue is private property which would lead to restricted access JoeTegmeyer SQD arm rotated back into extended position at 18:42 for first time after launch Chopsticks closed and returned to normal resting location at 20:29 S30 rolled out of the highbay into the ringyard S31 rolled out of the highbay to Sanchez (rocket garden) S29 rolled back to the high bay | ||
| 19.11.2023 | Workers went into OLIT to inspect the chopsticks, SQD arm and actuator
Scaffolding went up around OLM New intermittent RC for today 8pm-11pm Elon Musk update on IFT-3 and IFT-4: "Starship Flight 3 hardware should be ready to fly in 3 to 4 weeks. There are three ships in final production in the high bay (as can be seen from the highway)." B11 returned to mega bay 1 from Massey's Outpost | ||
| 18.11.2023 | B9 launches S25 into space. Following an apparently perfect launch, 33-engine burn, and hot staging separation, at around 90 km altitude over the Gulf of Mexico, Booster 9, with the hot stage ring still attached, is terminated during the boostback burn after apparent engine trouble. Meanwhile, Ship 25 becomes the first Starship to reach space, nearly completing its 6-engine burn before apparent engine trouble and flight termination at an altitude of 148 km and a speed of over 24000 km/h. | Labpadre
Nsf Live The Ringwatchers | |
| 17.11.2023 | Vented interstage reinstalled on B9
Hot staging ring transport stand and load spreader moved back to ring yard New TFR added for 20 November 2023 Space TFRs S25 stacked back onto B9 Steel for OLIT#3 continued to be delivered at Starbase RGV Announcement from Hawkins: "SpaceX will use both Starbase and LC39A launch pads for Artemis III HLS. In the "high teens" of number of launches needed to aggregate fuel. Lander is about half way thru that sequence. Must do all in quick succession due to boil off issues." LR11000X crane moved to SoLS and was lowered ahead of launch SQD plate attached to S25 at 10:31 S25 transport stand moved back to build site Announcement: Rocket garden no longer available for public access, all of Remedios Avenue now private. Maria Pointer has confirmed that SpaceX was granted this by Cameron County recently. Austin deSisto, and here |
The Ringwatchers
Nsf Live LabPadre |
|
| 16.11.2023 | LR11000X moved to OLS
S25 destacked off of B9 following a grid fin actuation failure; Hotstage ring also destacked afterwards - launch of IFT-2 postponed to 18 November S32 AX:4 moved into the highbay; S32 N:16 stacked on AX:4 completing the stacking for S32 after 36 days from start to completion Two grid fin actuators replaced between 19:15 and 20:15 OLIT#3: second and third column pieces for new launch tower at Starbase arrived Starship Gazer Maria Pointer: Boca Chica village to be evacuated on 10pm on Friday night Third grid fin actuator removed and replaced, then grid fins on B9 were tested (23:56) B9 interstage clamps tested |
Labpadre
Nsf Live The Ringwatchers |
|
| 15.11.2023 | SQD scaffolding removed
Hotstaging ring reinstalled on B9 First OLIT#3 hardware delivered to Starbase Cosmical Chief LR11000X lowered ahead of IFT-2 Temporary pressure plate removed from S25 FAA: Launch license for IFT-2 granted after the FWS finished its Written Re-Evaluation finding no singnificant impact on the environment; Main points:
S25 stacked onto B9 for 7th time |
Nsf Live | |
| 14.11.2023 | NC36/S33 NC moved to Sanchez
S25 new heat shield tiles added where they recently fell of during stacking TFT for November 17 for IFT-2 Christian Davenport: "Also just heard that a license is indeed imminent and that a Starship launch attempt could happen this week." Sanchez site: Air separation unit column started to being dismantled New cryo tank delivered to Massey's test site RGV |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 13.11.2023 | Several updates for imminent launch of Starship 9/25 on IFT-2 Elon Musk, RC, FAA ATCSCC, MSIB] | LabPadre | |
| 11.11.2023 | S25 stand returned to OLM area
LR11000X crane raised back up Ship 25 destacked from Booster 9; Hotstaging ring removed from B9 following destack |
Nsf Live
The Ringwatchers. |
|
| 10.11.2023 | NOTAM for US side of Gulf of Mexico posted for IFT-2
Hot staging ring for B9 returned to launch site at 19:16 SpaceX: "Starship preparing to launch as early as November 17, pending final regulatory approval" |
SpaceX | |
| 09.11.2023 | It appears that the FTS explosive charges installation on B9 ans S25 have concluded as the boxes were sealed [Starship 9/25]
DearMoon update: After the results of IFT-2, a new timeline will be created: "We were planning for our lunar orbital mission "dearMoon" to take place in 2023, but seems like it will take a little longer. We’re not sure when the flight will be, but we will give you all an update once we know more." Yusaku Maezawa NOTMARS for Hawaii for IFT-2 LR11000X lowered FCC on IFT-3: Most recent FCC filling shows that SpaceX intends to launch IFT-3 into a 235km apogee, and perform a powered landing of the Ship in the Indian Ocean, as opposed to the Pacific Ocean during IFT-1 and 2: "The Starship-Super Heavy test flight will originate from Starbase, TX. The booster stage will separate and will then perform a partial return and land in the Gulf of Mexico. The orbital Starship spacecraft will continue on its path to an altitude of approximately 235 km before performing a powered, targeted landing in the Indian Ocean." Raptor installation platform moved from launch site to Sanchez site FTS covers on B9 closed again |
LabPadre | |
| 08.11.2023 | Stand that used to hold the B9 hot staging ring moved back from launch site to ring yard
NOTMARS added for 13–18 November for IFT-2 (Gulf of Mexico and Hawaii) Safety net below OLM work platform lowered WB-57 plane for NASA flew back to Texas after a week in California ahead of the potential launch Sanchez site: Grove GMK7550 "Grover" attached to air separation unit column ahead of removal Chopsticks attached to S25 for potential lift NOTMAR for November 15 posted for IFT-2 OLM work platform lowered onto transport stand and moved from launch site to Sanchez site |
LabPadre | |
| 7.11.2023 | Chopsticks lifted to S25
Choopsticks lowered, crews continued to work on S25 |
LabPadre | |
| 6.11.2023 | Top section of structural test frame installed over S24.2 ahead of stress testing it at Massey's test site
3 new road closures posted for November 13–15, all from 12AM to 2PM CST 'Note that these are labeled as non-flight closures, however so were the closures for IFT-1 when first published and the times are the same.'; also NOTAM for Mexican airspace issued for November 13–18 (7:00am–9:39am) |
Brendan Lewis' Discord server
LabPadre |
|
| 3.11.2023 | S32 N:12 stacked on ML:4 creating N:16. [S32 stacked onto mid-LOX section inside high bay, now 6 sections tall]
SpaceX announced that the second flight of Starship is set to fly in mid November, pending regulatory approval. SpaceX also posted on their website an updated timeline for IFT-2. Marcia Smith, SpaceX |
The Ringwatchers | |
| 2.11.2023 | FWS teams arrived at Starbase again for an inspection on site of the deluge discharge zone and nearby wetlands
S24.3 installed in the structural test frame at Massey's test site S32 ML:4 moved into high bay for stacking. S25 de-stacked from B9, presumably for FTS installation |
Nsf Live
The Ringwatchers |
|
| 1.11.2023 | S25 re-stacked on B9 for unknown reasons | Nsf Live |
October 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.10.2023 | FAA review completed, Awaiting FWS review. | ||
| 30.10.2023 | Pamela Melroy visitied SpaceX Raptor production and was briefed on HLS program [including picture of Rvac engines] | ||
| 28.10.2023 | New booster engine installation stand moved into Megabay 1
Vented interstage reinstalled on B9 |
Nsf Live | |
| 27.10.2023 | Vented interstage removed from B9 again
S26 returned to rocket garden, and was placed in between B4 and S29 HLS news from Spaceflightnow:
|
The Ringwatchers
Labpadre Nsf Live |
|
| 26.10.2023 | Ship 25 destacked ahead of FTS installation
FWS update on Written Re-eveluation:
S26 lifted off Pad B |
Nsf Live
Labpadre |
|
| 25.10.2023 | FWS teams arrived at launch site around deluge discharge area and nearby wetlands for inspections
S27 aft section removed from structural testing jail at Massey's Placeholder NOTMAR issued for a potential launch going into effect on November 6 and onwards NAVCEN |
LabPadre | |
| 24.10.2023 | WDR of Ship 25 and Booster 9 (with FireX) and deluge test post WDR
S32 N:8 stacked on CX:4 creating N:12 [stacked on common dome in high bay, now 4 of 6 sections tall] |
The Ringwatchers
Nasaspaceflight |
|
| 22.10.2023 | S21/S22/HLS nosecone moved to the rocket garden
Full stack partial cryo test + Water deluge test. |
Nasaspaceflight | |
| 21.10.2023 | S25 transport stand moved from OLS to SoLS pad A
S32 CX:4 moved into the High Bay for stacking S26 attached to LR11000X and a ship transport stand on two SPMTs with counterweights has been moved to Pad B Mega bay 2 reached its maximum height and the topping tree was lifted |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 20.10.2023 | S25 stacked onto B9 (4th stacking of Starship 9/25)
New testing RC for 22 October (8am-8pm) S26 performs its first static fire with 1 engine S26 igniter tests at 19:24 and 19:40 SpaceX: "Starship team preparing for additional preflight tests in advance of a full launch rehearsal while continuing to work with the FAA on the Flight 2 license" |
Nasaspaceflight
LabPadre |
|
| 19.10.2023 | New edome test tank (TT14) completed a cryo test at Massey's
S22/HLS nosecone aerocovers removed FSW and SpaceX officials were on site for inspection and cleanup aaround wetland flats LabPadre |
NSF live
LabPadre |
|
| 18.10.2023 | Hot staging test article moved from Massey's back to build site
S32 N:5 stacked on FX:3 creating N:8 (3 of 6 sections tall) IFT-2 launch license: In a statement on Tuesday, a FWS spokesperson said their agency received a final biological assessment from the FAA Oct. 5 and FWS has up to 30 days to review it. This came after the FAA sent FWS a letter in August, which requested "reinitiation of Endangered Species Act consultation." Following the 30-day review of the final biological assessment from the FAA, the FWS has "135 days to issue an amended biological opinion." Spaceflight Now; also NOTMARs for launch NET 1 November posted for the Gulf of Mexico B11 undergoes cryo test S26 pre burner test |
The Ringwatchers
Nasaspaceflight LabPadre |
|
| 17.10.2023 | HS FX:3 and HSR:1 moved back to the build site
IFT-2 launch license: "As the consultation with FAA and US Fish and Wildlife over the Starship mishap will likely push into November, further delaying a second launch attempt, SpaceX is calling on Congress to push FAA to issue launch licenses faster" Washington Post, Christian Davenport S25 lifted off B9 (3rd destacking of Starship 9/25) |
The Ringwatchers | |
| 16.10.2023 | S32 FX:3 moved into the highbay for stacking
S25 lifted onto B9 (3rd full stack of Starship 9/25) Spacex on IFT-2: Starship fully stacked while team prepares for a launch rehearsal. We continue to work with the FAA on a launch license |
The Ringwatchers | |
| 15.10.2023 | Hot stage ring reinstalled on B9 at 19:41 | LabPadre | |
| 14.10.2023 | Third girder installed in mega bay 2 | LabPadre | |
| 13.10.2023 | B11 underwent cryo testing at Massey's
OLM work platform lowered otno its stand at 00:15 S28 still on engine install stand detached from LR1750 S29 moved back to Sanchez site S29 lifted off the thrust simulator stand onto a transport stand by LR1750 and moved to the rocket garden Mega bay 2: bridge crane girder lifted and installed Chopsticks re-attached to S25, then lowered again New MSIB for October 17 Three new road closures scheduled from Monday- Thursday all from 8am to 8pm CST S30 has its second flap installed Mega bay 2: bridge crane completed with trolley hoisted into place |
The Ringwatchers
Labpadre |
|
| 12.10.2023 | B11 moved to Massey's. Was outfitted with CO2 tank mounts and the 18 fire suppression vents during its stay in Mega Bay 1
Ship 26 has been disconnected from the LR11000X crane at Suborbital Pad B |
The Ringwatchers
Labpadre |
|
| 11.10.2023 | S32's NC35 moved into the High Bay to start stacking of the ship; S32 PL:5 moved into the High bay for stacking; S32's NC35 stacked atop PL:5 creating N:5
B11 lifted onto puck shucking stand which was moved into mega bay 1 earlier, ahead of roll out S26 attached to LR11000X at 23:39 |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 10.10.2023 | New intermittent RC for October 11 and 12 (12am-3am)
Aft flap installed on S30 |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 09.10.2023 | Interstage removed from B9 again [hot staging ring]
S32's NC35 moved into the Ring Yard from Tent 3 NC37 is scrapped S30 rolled out of high bay, was reoriented and moved back into high bay for flaps and tiles installation S26 Cryo Proof Test |
The Ringwatchers/
Labpadre |
|
| 08.10.2023 | - | ||
| 07.10.2023 | - | ||
| 06.10.2023 | - | ||
| 05.10.2023 | SQD detached from S25 at 7:30 arm swung away from fullstack
S25 lifted off B9 at 8:57 set onto transport stand at around 10am; Starship 9/25 destacked S26 detached from LR11000X at 11:28 SpaceX announced that Elon Musk provides an update on the development of Starship at the International Astronautical Congress in Baku Twitter, Youtube |
LabPadre | |
| 04.10.2023 | Two mega bay 2 bridge crane trolleys delivered
S29 cryo proof test at Massey's test site; both tanks frosting at 17:32 B13 downcomer lifted into mega bay NC37 moved to the scrapyard B13 has its downcomer installed |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 03.10.2023 | S31 N:16 stacked atop AX:4 creating A:20, completing the construction of Ship 31 in 33 days
S25 flap tests while stacked on B9 |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 02.10.2023 | S31 AX:4 is lifted into the highbay.
S31 downcomer installed, thrust section moved into high bay for stacking at midnight. |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 01.10.2023 | - |
September 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.09.2023 | Booster puck shucker has been moved from Massey's to Sanchez Site
SpaceX: "Starship stacked at Starbase ahead of flight, team continues to work with the FAA on a launch license" Elon Musk: "Starship is ready for flight 2!" |
LabPadre | |
| 29.09.2023 | S24.2 transported to Masseys
The first CO2 tank has been moved into the megabay for installation on B10; lifted ~ 20 minutes later |
The Ringwatchers | |
| 28.09.2023 | B13 M:16 stacked with A5:4 creating M:20 (20/24 rings stacked)
B13 (former) AX:4 is scrapped. |
The Ringwatchers | |
| 27.09.2023 | S27 AX:4 relocated to Massey's, arrived at around 01:50 [part of the second tileless ship that was previously cut in half]
B13* (apparently former) AX:4 moved to the Scrapyard S27 AX:4 [aft section] moved into the nosecone cage for structural testing B13 A5:4 moved into the Mega Bay for stacking S25 once again lifted onto B9+HS:1; followed by a full speed retraction test of the ship QD S29 cryo proof test; both tanks partially filled at Massey's test site at 18:15, detanking at 19:50 S26 transport stand left launch site, headed to remedios avenue Intermittent road closure scheduled for Friday 29 September (12am-3am) |
The Ringwatchers | |
| 26.09.2023 | B9 HS:1 [hot staging ring] was lifted back onto B9
S26 attached to LR11000X again S29 cryo proof test |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 25.09.2023 | S31 N:12 stacked on ML:4 creating N:16
FCC license granted for Starship launches from 27 Jan 2024 - 27 July 2024, this is an extension to an already active license FCC |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 24.09.2023 | - | ||
| 23.09.2023 | - | ||
| 22.09.2023 | Ship 29 transported to Masseys whilst sitting on the Ship puck shucker
B10 engine section purge tank spotted before installation Randolph Visuals Massey's tank farm was active for possible S29 test, but no visible test took place S31 ML:4 [mid lox section] moves into the high bay EDOME test tank 2 (=TT14) moved from ring yard to Massey's test site, where it arrived around 22:22 |
The Ringwatchers | |
| 21.09.2023 | Booster puck sucking stand moved to Massey's Outpost, Ship puck shucking stand was returned to production site
B9 HS:1 is removed from B9; work on fwd dome section started S29 lifted off its standonto the ship puck shucker S26.1 conducts a burst test. Failure seems to be around the aft end. Vented Interstage lifted off Booster 9 |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 20.09.2023 | B10 rolls back from Massey's to Megabay 1 on the booster puck shucker
B13 aft tank #5 quad staged outside Megabay 1 New 2-point ship lifting jig moved to ring yard after a test yesterday, possibly for S29 lift S26 detached from LR11000X B10 is lifted onto the engine install stand inside Megabay 1 Booster thrust simulation stand (puck shucker) moved out of mega bay 1 after B10 was lifted off it Deluge T Vent pipes returned to launch site |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 18.09.2023 | FAA [on IFT-2 launch license] submitted a draft update of the Biological Assessment to FWS:
B13 A4:4 moves into the Mega Bay for stacking B13: M:12 is stacked onto A4:4 creating M:16 (16/24 rings tall) S29 TPS tiles placed over the lifting points on the nosecone Chris Bergin New intermittent RC for 20 September (10pm-1am) |
The Ringwatchers
LabPadre |
|
| 17.09.2023 | B10 cryo proof test (full LOX load, minor CH4 load) | LabPadre | |
| 16.09.2023 | Chopsticks raised to ship (S25) load points between 00:50 and 1:00 | LabPadre | |
| 15.09.2023 | SpaceX: pictures of fully stacked Starship 9/25
New intermittent RC for 19 and 20 September, 10p-1a FAA on IFT-2 license: In a newsletter, the FAA announced that they are conducting a Written Reevaluation to the PEA due to changes of the launch infrastructure as part of the license application determination process B10 cryo proof test (partial LOX load) Chopsticks lowered from S25 at 17:50 Booster transport stand moved from former tracking station to Sanchez site |
||
| 14.09.2023 | B13 next section of LOX tank staged outside mega bay 1 at around 04:25
S31 stacked on its common dome section inside high bay, now 4/6 sections tall McGregor: Raptor vacuum engine was tested in chilled conditions to mimic conditions after a long coast period in space (according to SpaceX) McGregor: SpaceX recently conducted a cold start demo of a Raptor Vacuum engine for the NASAArtemis Starship HLS. This test fired pre-chilled engine hardware simulating in-space thermal conditions for landing on the Moon (according to NASA Marshall) Starship 9/25: S25 destacked from B9 for final preps and FTS work |
LabPadre | |
| 13.09.2023 | B13 LOX tank stacked onto next 4-ring barrel section between 11:00-11:30 after it was moved into mega bay 1; 12/24 rings tall
NASA: The environmental assessment draft for the Roberts Road and Saturn Road expansions has been released and there will be a public comment period from Sept 14 - Oct 16. Draft: https://netspublic.grc.nasa.gov/main/RR%20North%20Expansion_Draft%20SEA.pdf FAA: The FAA told Reuters that the Starship launch license amendment might be granted as early as next month. Next launch out of Boca Chica will also need to be approved by the Fish & Wildlife Service, which has not provided any dates OLM work platform returned to launch site after repairs or modifications at Sanchez site, moved under OLM OLM work platform raised under B9 at 22:00-22:10 S25 transport stand moved to the OLIT B10 cryo proof test, full CH4 tank load |
LabPadre | |
| 12.09.2023 | B11 moved from rocket garden via Hwy 4 into Mega Bay from 3:20-5:35
SpaceX crews took photos at launch site B11 lifted off its transport stand onto B10's old transprot stand in the back right of mega bay 1. B11's transport stand then was moved to the Sanchez site |
LabPadre | |
| 11.09.2023 | B10 arrived at Massey's early morning
Jeff Foust: SpaceX senior vice president of commercial business Tom Ochinero says that the company is "real close" to next launch and that they are 2working closely with the regulators" at this point S31 cmn dome section moved into high bay at 15:56 |
LabPadre | |
| 10.09.2023 | Massey's booster thrust simulator stand moved into mega bay 1 shortly after midnight
B10 lifted onto Booster puck shucker at build site at around 12:50 B10 started to move towards Massey's test site |
LabPadre | |
| 09.09.2023 | S31 stacked ond its forward dome section inside high sections (3 of 6 sections tall)
Third large deluge water tank shifted on its pedestals by LR11000X crane for final installation at OLS |
LabPadre | |
| 08.09.2023 | Replacement manifold for deluge water tanks lifted into position between 02:45-03:00
SN20/S20 lifting points started to being covered with TPS tiles LR11000 detached from S26 FAA and SpaceX closed Starship 7/24 mishap investigation and issued statements about the process and necessary upgrades Intermittent RC scheduled for 10 September 10pm-1am Booster thrust pucker rolling back from Massey's to production site |
LabPadre | |
| 07.09.2023 | OLM work platform moved to build site early morning
Part removed from deluge tank farm S31 fwd dome section moved into high bay at around 04:25 S26 rolled out to launch site S26 connected to LR11000X Chopsticks released S25 at around 15:00 New replacement manifold for deluge water tanks arrived at launch site Intermittent RC scheduled for 8 September 10pm-1am S26 lifted onto SoLS Pad B by LR11000X |
LabPadre | |
| 06.09.2023 | Ship lifting suid delivered to launch site early morning and Maarvin crane moved back over near Pad B for possible S26 stacking
Intermittent RC scheduled for September 7 10am-12pm, likely for S26 roll-out HLS nosecone being painted white (RGV) Eric Berger / FAA: According to Eric Berger, the FAA says that the Starhip mishap investication remains open. Marine notices for both the Gulf and Hawaii have been pulled as of 9/6 and no future date is currently scheduled OLM work platform lowered at 18:11 and removed from OLM area 3.5 hours later |
LabPadre | |
| 05.09.2023 | S25 roll out completed
Starship 9/25 stacked for the first time S31 fwd dome section staged outside of high bay for stacking B13 cmn dome section and a 4-ring barrel stacked; LOX tank stacking began - now 8/24 rings tall Elon Musk: Starship is ready to launch, awaiting FAA license approval |
LabPadre | |
| 04.09.2023 | David avery: New Marine hazard notices for IFT-2 issued for 8–13 September 2023, 15:10-18:50; also for Hawaii
Two SPMTs with counterweights and ship-moving couplers moved to rocket garden for S25 roll out S25 started to roll out from rocket garden to launch site for lifting onto B9 |
LabPadre | |
| 03.09.2023 | Rollout cones deployed (S25 roll out) | LabPadre | |
| 02.09.2023 | Cowboy Dan (IFT-2): "Boat #SpaceX used for ops during first orbital flight test is inbound to #Starbase atm. The former GLADYS D had been offgrid last three weeks around Pensacola FL." | LabPadre | |
| 01.09.2023 | CSCC2 SAA listed near term planned Starship milestones (Barry Jenakuns):
Booster common dome section, possibly for B13, staged outside Mega bay 1. Several visible changes: extra LOX ullage vent on each side, modified autogenous pressurisation pipework |
LabPadre |
August 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.08.2023 | S31 nosecone stacked on payload section inside high bay
"A structure believed to be the 'elevator floor' of an engine installation stand, previously seen in flyover pics of the Sanchez site, was moved into the Ring Yard just before 06:30 CDT, and taken straight into MB1 - Rover cam" (Jon Tait, LabPadre) "A structure believed to be the main ring of an engine installation stand, also previously seen in flyover pics of the Sanchez site, was moved into the Ring Yard at 10:40 CDT, and was also taken straight into MB1 - Rover cam" (Jon Tait, LabPadre) S26.1 test tank lifted off its stand and likely set on the gorund in the burst pad area at Massey's B9 FTS explosives delivered and work on FTS (Starship Gazer) |
LabPadre | |
| 30.08.2023 | S32 payload bay door installed
Tent lifted at Massey's S31 nosecone moved into high bay at around 13:45 S25 Logo added (upside down though) (@CosmicalChief) S31 payload bay moved into high bay at 20:05 |
LabPadre | |
| 29.08.2023 | S25 TPS tile installation continued
"Booster Stabilization pins on the OLM used for placing and removing Boosters from the pad are being removed indicating no intention of B9 to be removed by anything other than its own power - Rover 2 Cam" (Anomalia - LabPadre) |
LabPadre | |
| 28.08.2023 | IFT-2 Upadate: "From what I'm hearing, the next SpaceX Starship launch attempt is still weeks away, pending FAA approval. Modifications, such as the water deluge system, need to be approved. As always, the process is fluid and can speed up or slow down depending on a number of factors but as of now 9/8 doesn't appear likely." (Christian Davenport)
B12 final stacking |
LabPadre | |
| 27.08.2023 | Back columns of mid bay cut through ahead of demolition
Mid bay demolished (blown up during a temporary road closure) |
LabPadre | |
| 26.08.2023 | Tent 1 demolition completedOLM work platform raised under B9 at around 02:45
Ship lifting pins deployed on chopsticks |
LabPadre | |
| 25.08.2023 | New E-Dome test article stacked in high bay
FCC license granted from 7 September 2023 to 23 February 2024 (FCC) B9 static fire test #2S25 tilework on lifting points complete Demolition of Tent 1 started to make place for the new Starfactory expansion |
LabPadre | |
| 24.08.2023 | |||
| 23.08.2023 | IFT-2 Update: "A new NOTMAR indicates the IFT-2 launch date is now NET September 8th." (NAVCEN)
B9 spin prime test #2 S30 fully stacked and lifted off the turntable onto the transport stand |
LabPadre | |
| 22.08.2023 | Can crusher removed from hot staging ring at Massey's
Intermittent RC issued for today from 8am-12pm or 12pm-4pm B9 rolled out to OLS and lifted onto OLM |
LabPadre | |
| 21.08.2023 | B9 moved inside mega bay early morning | LabPadre | |
| 20.08.2023 | Demolition of mid bay began
BQD lines purged |
LabPadre | |
| 19.08.2023 | Barricades put up in front of mid bay ahead of possible demolition
Starfactory phase 1 and phase 2 buildings being connected (WAI, @CosmicalChief) |
LabPadre | |
| 18.08.2023 | S30 stacked onto its aft section in high bay - stacking complete
Tent 2 demolition completed S29 first aft flap installed New RC (intermittent) for 19 August from 10am-1pm or 5pm-8pm S29 payload bay door removed at around 22:00 S29 new payload bay door installed at 22:30 |
LabPadre | |
| 17.08.2023 | B10 moved from rocket garden into mega bay
Raptor engine installation on S28 underway, engine SN164 spotted (RGV) SpaceX posted a long duration test fire of Raptor while gimaled 15 degrees (here); according to Elon Musk the purpose of this test was "Landing burn max gimbal deflection" (here) B9 spotted with hot staging ring (RGV) S30 aft section moved into high bay and placed oto the turntable |
LabPadre | |
| 16.08.2023 | Marine hazardous operations notice published for "rocket launch activities" for 31 August
LR11000 crane at build site raised to work on roof on mega bay 2 A girder for one of mega bay 2's bridge crane was moved into the ring yard at 14:18 and has been offloaded onto the cribbing in front of mb2 Demolition of tent 2 has begun Hot staging ring with some shielding rolled towards mega bay Hot staging ring for B9 lifted |
LabPadre | |
| 15.08.2023 | S25: workers began covering the windward side lifting points with steel plates, which will later be protected by TPS tiles
Booster header tank spotted, label "Property of Crew Starship, not scrap", heading towards lbj blvd and parked next to S22 nosecone [HLS] Kevin Randolph: Second hot staging ring article spotted in the ring yard S29 moved out of the high bay Jack Kuhr: SpaceX has filed the IFT-1 mishap report to the FAA Four RBQD tests conducted at 21:30, 21:47, 22:14 and 22:36 |
LabPadre | |
| 14.08.2023 | Ship cryo stand next to OLS berm removed at around 13:00, following the removal of the booster cryo stand on 9 August 2023. In the future, all cryo testing and thrust simulation tests will be performed at Massey's test site (Jon Tait) | LabPadre | |
| 13.08.2023 | |||
| 12.08.2023 | RBQD purge at 10:01
S22's old nosecone removed from mid bay last night, rolled to a new pad near the payload precessing facility. It has been outfitted with a significant amount of electrical work and some ducting or piping (Mouser) S25: two leeward lifting points have received a cover, similar as observed on S24 ahead of the test flight (RGV weekly) Highly modified S22 nosecone, believed to be a test article for HLS, lifted off the SPMT together with its short stand and set down on a new pad near the vehicle service garage at the northeast end of the village at around 21:50 (John Tait) |
LabPadre | |
| 11.08.2023 | Mega bay 2 bridge crane has arrived (RGV) | LabPadre | |
| 10.08.2023 | Third new water tank installed at the water-cooled steel plate supply system / water deluge tank farm at OLS
OLM work platform moved under OLM and raised at around 14:20 |
LabPadre | |
| 09.08.2023 | LR11000 crane at build site laid down for boom extension to work on the roof of mega bay 2 at 08:50
S30 stacked on midlox section inside high bay, now 5/6 sections tall Third new water tank for new deluge water tank farm arrived at launch site at 20:29 |
LabPadre | |
| 08.08.2023 | |||
| 07.08.2023 | New intermittent RC schduled for 7 August, 9pm-12am
B9 attached to chopsticks and lifted off OLM by chopsticks at 13:07 Chopsticks lowered away from B9 lifting points, and opening to release B9 B9 rolled back to the build site |
LabPadre | |
| 06.08.2023 | S25 rolled back to rocket garden where SN15 stood earlier
FIREX detonation suppressiom tested under B9 ahead of today's test Ship puck shucker stand moved back to massey's test site after S28 moved back to build site B9 static fire Second tracking dish being dismantled |
LabPadre | |
| 05.08.2023 | S28 arrived at rocket garden from Massey's, LR1750 crane picked up the ship lifting squid
S25 lifted off Pad B onto transport stand by LR11000 crane S28 lifted onto raptor installation platform at Rocket garden by LR1750 crane Mega bay 2: Last pre-assemblet corner section lifted for installation S25 detached from LR11000 B9 igniter test at 19:55:53 Overpressure notice for static fire issued (B9) |
LabPadre | |
| 04.08.2023 | S30 stacked onto common dome
S30 mid-lox section moved into high bay for further stacking B9 spin prime test and another test cycleShip QD and QD arm on OLIT performed a full speed retraction test at 18:05 S28 left Massey's, moved towards rocket garden |
LabPadre | |
| 03.08.2023 | OLM work platform lowered and removed from OLM area
Mega bay 2: 3rd corner section of 5th level lifted S28 cryo proof test at Massey's test siteS25 ship QD disconnected ahead of lift off pad B |
LabPadre | |
| 02.08.2023 | S30 cmn dome section moved into high bay at around 10:40 am
One of the two main tracking dishes was disassembled Mega bay 2: Final corner section of 5th level arrived at ring yard RC: Intermittent rollout closure for 3 August from 9-11 am |
LabPadre | |
| 01.08.2023 | Can crusher "top hat" placed on hot stage test article at Massey's | LabPadre |
July 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.07.2023 | S30 stacked onto fwd dome section in high bay, now 3/6 sections complete
RC: temporary and intermittent road delay scheduled for 1 August 9–11 am |
LabPadre | |
| 30.07.2023 | S26.1 leg skirt, now heavily reinforced, rolled into ring yard at 12:17, followed by hot stage test ring 3 hours later
B11 Hot stage test article and its components arrived at Massey's |
LabPadre | |
| 29.07.2023 | Raptor installation platform moved to launch site with engine shielding on top
Mega Bay 2: 2nd corner section of 5th level lifted; 3rd corner section of 5th level arrived at ring yard at around 20:53 |
LabPadre | |
| 28.07.2023 | Chopsticks lifted ahead of deflector test
OLM full water deluge test (SpaceX picture here, SpaceX video here, Musk video here, NSF video here, LabPadre video here) Chopsticks lowered onto resting point after deluge test S28 cryo proof test at Massey's RC: Temporary / intermittent rc scheduled for 30 July 9pm-12am, 31 July 10pm-1am (1 Aug) |
LabPadre | |
| 27.07.2023 | S26 attached to LR1750 at 4:08 am
Mega bay 2: First corner section of 5th level lifted S26 removed from engine install stand, placed onto a transport stand at rocket garden |
LabPadre | |
| 26.07.2023 | OLM: Dog house cover reinstalled over pipework
S30 fwd dome moved into high bay at around 14:30 SN15 scrapping started: raceway cut at fwd dome weld, nosecone removed, later nosecone cut off its fwd dome |
LabPadre | |
| 25.07.2023 | LR1750 attached to SN15 at rocket garden
Chopsticks lowered to bottom stop between 18:15-52 A modified hot stage load head rolled out to ring yard MB2: Second section of 5th level arrived at ring yard at 20:55 |
LabPadre | |
| 24.07.2023 | Raptor installation platform reassembled in a shorter configuration after being cut apart a few weeks ago for modifications
Ship QD panel extended for first time since its reinstallation on OLIT |
LabPadre | |
| 23.07.2023 | S27 common dome apparently imploded, likely the reason for its scrapping (RGV)
B9 full cryo/prop load test |
LabPadre | |
| 22.07.2023 | B10 arrived to rocket garden shortly after midnight
MB2: First section of 5th level arrived at ring yard at around 21:27 OLM work platform lowered onto water-cooled steel plate at around 22:26 |
LabPadre | |
| 21.07.2023 | S28 rolled out and waited at build entrance a few minutes after midnight
S30 nosecone moved into high bay for stacking S28 moved to Massey's test site for testing Chopsticks released and opened on B9 after lifting it yesterday; ship QD arm swung back in S30 nosecone stacked on its payload section inside high bay, now 2/6 sections tall B10 moved from Massey's towards rocket garden |
LabPadre | |
| 20.07.2023 | S30 payload bay section moved into high bay for stacking
S27 cut in half early this morning (5:53) B9 rolled out to launch site Chopsticks moved up and latched into B9's upper lift points LR11000 at build site laid down for reconfiguartion for work on fifth level of MB2 S28 transport stand moved out of high bay as ship is being lifted likely to be put onto the thrust simulator from Massey's site Booster transport stand stabilization pins tested ahead of B9 lift New booster hot staging section spotted by Starship Gazer (here), revised design compared to May 25th Massey's ship puck shucker moved into high bay and S28 was set onto it B9 lifted onto OLM Intermittent RC for 21 July 10pm-1am |
LabPadre | |
| 19.07.2023 | Mega bay 2: final section of 4th level lifted
New puck shucker test stand that was under construction at the ship cryo station at Massey's moved to build site Three new intermittent rolllout closures for July 20, 6:30-9:00am, 12:30-3:00pm, 10:00pm–01:00am |
LabPadre | |
| 18.07.2023 | B9 moved from mega bay to rocket garden
New intermittent RC for July 19, 10pm-1am B10 cryo tested at Massey's test site, both tanks partially filled FIREX system tested on the OLM at 21:43 |
LabPadre | |
| 17.07.2023 | Chopsticks raised ahead of testing
OLM deluge system initial testing (not at full power; SpaceX picture here, NSF video here) Mega bay 2: 4th section of 4th level arrived at build site |
LabPadre | |
| 16.07.2023 | Two SPMTs with counterweights moved into mega bay 1
B9 moved to entrance of Mega bay 1 Tank delivered to launch site and installed at the water deluge area at the OLS |
LabPadre | |
| 15.07.2023 | New intermittent RC for July 16, 6-8pm
LR1750 crane unhooked from S26, hooked up to S27 Orbital tank farm spooled up with LOX and CH4 subcoolers chilling for the first time since IFT-1 for unknown GSE testing |
LabPadre | |
| 14.07.2023 | Mega bay 2: 3rd section of 4th level lifted into place
BQD extended Raptor QD test at 23:20:24 |
LabPadre | |
| 13.07.2023 | New intermittent RCs for July 14 (2-5pm) and July 15 (6-8pm)
BQD full speed retraction test at 19:21 |
LabPadre | |
| 12.07.2023 | Purge of part of the deluge system was performed
A booster transport stand entered hwy4 from Sanchez site, moved back to SPMT storage area Mega bay 2: 3rd section of 4th level moved from Sanchez to build site |
LabPadre | |
| 11.07.2023 | Grid fin moved into mega bay 1, installed on B12 CH4 tank
Mega bay 2: 2nd section of 4th level lifted B12 second grid fin installed at CH4 tank Structural test article with Pez Dispenser rolled out |
LabPade | |
| 10.07.2023 | Elon Musk commented a Ship 9-engine layout plan by CSI starbase: "Inner engine gimbal angle is limited in some directions, due to impacting outer engine nozzle, but probably ok" here
Elon Musk Update: "Looks like we can increase Raptor thrust by ~20% to reach 9000 tons (20 million lbs) of force at sea level." "And deliver over 200 tons of payload to a useful orbit with full & rapid reusability." link 1, link 2] 50 rockets flying every 3 days on average enables over a megaton of payload to orbit per year – enough to build a self-sustaining city on Mars. LR11000X picked up ship lifting squid at Pad B |
LabPadre | |
| 09.07.2023 | Chopsticks lowered, ship QD arm swung in | LabPadre | |
| 08.07.2023 | OLS: Second manifold for water cooled steel plate placed under OLM for installtion
B10 arrived at new booster cryo stand at Massey's test site at 2:52 OLS: Third manifold for water cooled steel plate placed unter OLM for installation Ground fabrication building reassembly began at far end of Sanchez site Mega bay 2: 2nd segment of 4th level arrived at ring yard OLS: Large Y-pipe that will feed water to 2 of the 3 manifolds for the water-cooled steel plates was lifted and moved into position |
LabPadre | |
| 07.07.2023 | OLM work platform moved under OLM
Mega bay 2: First segment of 4th level lifted SPMTs moved under B10 for roll out OLS: First of 3 manifolds for water cooled steel plate installed B10 started to move to Massey's test site |
LabPadre | |
| 06.07.2023 | Old B11 fwd dome section moved into tent 1 (add: later hot staging test article)
OLS: Two water-cooled steel plate manifolds arrived at OLS, other parts also delivered New intermittent RC for 7 July 24 (10pm-1am) [for B10 roll out] OLS: Third Manifold arrived at OLS |
LabPadre | |
| 05.07.2023 | [1] S28 payload door reinstalled
GMK7550 and LR11000X cranes attached to water-cooled steel plate for lift onto vertical transport stand ahead of installation under OLM New intermittent RCs for 6 July 2023 10am-12pm and 9-11pm Water cooled steel plate moved under OLM and installed under it |
LabPadre | |
| 04.07.2023 | |||
| 03.07.2023 | Concrete work at OLM
B11 FWD with label "Hot stage load head" spotted in ring yard (RGV) Foundation work at OLM: 171 trucks of concrete; together with the loads from June 25, this is about 5411 tons of concrete (Zack Golden) |
LabPadre | |
| 02.07.2023 | |||
| 01.07.2023 | Mega bay 2: 4th section of 3rd level lifted and installed
Ship QD plate lifted back onto SQD arm at 11:00am Mega bay 2: First segment of 4th level arrived at ring yard |
LabPade |
June 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.06.2023 | Ring with smooth dome and 24 holes moved into highbay
One of the extending work platforms on ship QD arm was removed Water cooled steel plate for OLM deluge moved to launch site (21:54-22:15) Ship QD plate moved back to launch site |
LabPadre | |
| 29.06.2023 | Tile-less ship payload bay moved into high bay for stacking, possibly for a stress test article [??]
First of several new horizontal CH4 tanks has been lfited and installed on its pedestals at the westwards extension of the OLS tank farm Water cooled steel plate spotted for first time inside inventory tent (pictures by WAI and Starship Gazer) New intermittent RC for 30 June 2024 (9-11pm) |
LabPadre | |
| 28.06.2023 | First of several new horizontal CH4 tanks arrived at OLS for the OLS tank farm extension
Mega bay 2: 3rd segment of 3rd level lifted and installed |
LabPadre | |
| 27.06.2023 | Elon Musk Update on hot staging: "Three center raptors of Booster will fire at ~50% thrust during hot staging"
Mega bay 2: 4th segment of 3rd level moved from Sanchez site to build site |
LabPadre | |
| 26.06.2023 | OLM foundation work: Pouring completed around 9:30 am, pumps left the launch site 30 minutes later; 132 Truck loads of concrete (Zack Golden)
S25 6-engine static fire |
LabPadre | |
| 25.06.2023 | Mega bay 2: 3rd segment of 3rd level moved to ring yard for installation | LabPadre | |
| 24.06.2023 | Booster QD backhood installed on OLM
Jeff Foust announced Musks and SpaceXs plans to introduce hot staging: -"Musk said SpaceX has made a "late-breaking" change to Starship/Super Heavy stage separation, switching to a hot-staging approach where the ship lights its engines while a few booster engines are still firing. He estimates a ~10% increase in payload performance with this." (Foust) -"That will involve an extension to the booster with vents for the ship exhaust and shielding to the top of the booster, he says. He estimates both the vehicle and pad upgrades will be complete in about six weeks. [Recall in late April he expected to be ready to fly in 2 months…]" (Foust) -"Musk says they have made improvements to Raptor engines as well. He believes the next Starship/Super Heavy launch will have much higher chances of success, estimating 60% at one point." (Foust) Mega bay 2: 2nd segment of 3rd level lifted and installed B11 moved via hwy 3 and Sanchez site to rocket garden |
LabPadre | |
| 23.06.2023 | Booster transport stand moved from Sanchez site to ring yard
New intermittent RC for 23 June (10pm-12am) Mega bay 2: 1st segment of 3rd level lifted, bolted down and detached from crane Booster QD backhood moved back to launch site following post-launch inspections |
LabPadre | |
| 22.06.2023 | S28 second flaps moved into high bay and installed
Mega bay 2: 2nd segment of 3rd level moved to ring yard |
LabPadre | |
| 21.06.2023 | B12 CH4 tank stacked on final quad barrel (which was moved into mega bay earlier today), 13/13 rings tall
S25 flight like chill and spin prime test |
LabPadre | |
| 20.06.2023 | B12 aft section moved into mega bay for final stacking
OLM QD piping reinstalled B12 LOX tank fully stacked inside mega bay |
LabPadre | |
| 19.06.2023 | Elon Musk announced a twitter space for subscribers about Starship and Starlink
B12 CH4 tank stacked on another triple barrel, 9/13 rings tall OLS tank farm: CH4 deliveries resumed for the first time since flight test 1 (IFT-1) |
LabPadre | |
| 18.06.2023 | Ground fabrication building: last remaining beams removed | LabPadre | |
| 17.06.2023 | Mega bay 2: 4th segment of 2nd level lifted and installed, bolted down
New booster thrust puck delivered to Starbase B12: another triple barrel moved into mega bay for stacking |
LabPadre | |
| 16.06.2023 | Mega bay 2: 3rd segment of 2nd level lifted and installed, bolted down
Mega bay 2: 1st segment of 3rd level moved from Sanchez site to build site for installation |
LabPadre | |
| 15.06.2023 | Mega bay 2: 2nd segment of 2nd level lifted for installation
B12 transfer tube moved into mega bay B12 fwd dome section and triple barrel of CH4 tank moved into mega bay Second elbow piece of water cooled steel plate manifold system lifted and installed B12 CH4 tank assembly commenced: fwd dome and triple barrel stacked together in mega bay (6/13 rings tall) OLM pad repairs advanced, rebar and concrete work RGV NASA: NASA announced that it is working with SpaceX on potentially turning Starship into a space station. "This architecture includes Starship as a transportation and in-space low-Earth orbit destination element supported by Super Heavy, Dragon, and Starlink, and constituent capabilities including crew and cargo transportation, communications, and operational and ground support." This is part of a broader collaboration of NASA with seven U.S. companies to meet future commercial and government needs. The 7 companies are:
B12 downcomer installed into LOX tank |
LabPadre | |
| 14.06.2023 | Mega bay 2: 2nd section of 2nd level lifted for installation, installation aborted likely due to high winds
S25 cryo proof test / spin prime abort Mega bay 2: 4th segment of 2nd level moved from Sanchez to ring yard |
LabPadre | |
| 13.06.2023 | Elon Musk: "6-8 week" until next Starship test [IFT-2]
B12 LOX tank quad barrel moved into mega bay and stacked (now 20/24 rings tall) Mega bay 2: 3rd section of 2nd level moved from Sanchez to ring yard |
LabPadre | |
| 12.06.2023 | S25 aft flaps untied and opened
Mega bay 2: 1st section of 2nd level lifted by LR11000 crane, installed and bolted down Mega bay 2: Installed section detached from LR11000 crane and another one hooked up |
LabPadre | |
| 11.06.2023 | |||
| 10.06.2023 | Water deluge supply tank area: first tank moved to OLS, lifted into place
Water deluge supply tank area: second tank delivered to OLS, lifted into place next to first tank |
LabPadre | |
| 09.06.2023 | Stress testing framework removed from NC31 test article at Massey's test site
B12 LOX tank: barrel moved into mega bay for stacking FCC: communications license for IFT-2 granted, 15.06.23-15.12.23 2 large tanks delivered to Starbase [water tanks for deluge area] B12 LOX stacked onto another quad barrel (now 16/24 rings tall) |
LabPadre | |
| 08.06.2023 | OLM work platform left launch site around midnight | LabPadre | |
| 07.06.2023 | S25 detached from LR11000X
Jeff Foust citing Jim Free (NASA): "NASA is involved with Starship investigation, and just met with FAA. Do have concerns about their ability to meet Dec. 2025 date for Artemis 3. They have a "significant number" of launches to go before that mission." Starfactory: Pre-assembled roof section lifted into place on the new starfactory expansion discord B12 LOX tank stacked onto another quad barrel (now 12/24 rings tall) |
LabPadre | |
| 06.06.2023 | S29 removed off tunrtable, aft section put onto turntable for stacking
S29 lifted onto its aft section, now fully stacked First section of "Heavy Metal" Building (current starfactory expansion) put vertically |
LabPadre | |
| 05.06.2023 | S34 nosecone left tent 3, all nosecones are now outside the tent | LabPadre | |
| 04.06.2023 | B12 common dome section and a quad-barrel moved into mega bay 1, and stacked - marking the beginning of the LOX-tank assembly (8/24 rings tall) | LabPadre | |
| 03.06.2023 | B11 CH4 tank removed from turntable, lifted inside mega bay ahead of final stacking
Over last 2 days, another 3 nosecones of S31, S32 and S33 left tent 3 ahead of its possible dismantling S30 nosecone moved to the ring yard B11 fully stacked inside mega bay |
LabPadre | |
| 02.06.2023 | Ship with 205mt tank for Starbase inbound to Brownsville Cowboy Dan
S29 thrust section moved into high bay for stacking Tank delivered to Prot of Brownsville on UHL Falcon Mega bay 2: Second segment of 2nd level moved to the ring yard SpaceX: Starlink set an altitude and speed record for use in-flight during Starship's first flight test, providing connectivity at 123,600+ feet and while traveling at Mach 1.7 |
LabPadre | |
| 01.06.2023 | B12 cmn dome section moved to mega bay staging pad for stacking
New turntable delivered to Starbase, likely for mega bay 2 S30 nosecone exited tent 3 fully tiled First LN2 delivery to OLS tank farm since IFT-1 |
LabPadre |
May 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.05.2023 | Mega bay 2: 1st corner segment of 2nd level moved by SPMTs from Sanchez Site to ring yard | LabPadre | |
| 30.05.2023 | B12 first section moved to staging area in front of mega bay | LabPadre | |
| 29.05.2023 | Low bay demolished | LabPadre | |
| 28.05.2023 | Grover crane GMK7550 left launch site after midnight as the main pilling process under OLM was finished
LR11000 crane at build site went up |
LabPadre | |
| 27.05.2023 | B10 moved to rocket garden this morning Starship Gazer | LabPadre | |
| 26.05.2023 | Demolition of Ground fabrication building began in preparation of Starfactory expansion
B10 lifted up and put onto a transport stand that was moved into mega bay yesterday. First time a full Booster was lifted up and moved by both cranes SpaceX Recap video released, confirmed S25 and B9 for IFT-2 Elon Musk: "Major launchpad upgrades should be complete in about a month, then another month of rocket testing on pad, then flight 2 of Starship" |
LabPadre | |
| 25.05.2023 | Booster transport stand moved into mega bay
S26.1 cryo tested at Massey's test site Another starlink pez dispenser installed into a payload bay in front of low bay S28 first aft flap installed in high bay Cut outs in new ring section spotted LabPadre -> First hot staging ring spotted [Ringwatchers] |
LabPadre
The Ringwatchers |
|
| 24.05.2023 | B11 at least three grid fins were installed over night
Elon Musk: "Starship payload is 250 to 300 tons to orbit in expendable mode. Improved thrust & Isp from Raptor will enable ~6000 ton liftoff mass." |
LabPadre | |
| 23.05.2023 | Raptor installation platform left launch site
Elon Musk confirmed that Ground Fabrication building, Propulsion buildings and Low bay will be removed for Starfactory expansion Zack Golden and Elon Musk New grid fins delivered to mega bay, likely for S11 WAI] OLM BQD retracted at 19:40 |
LabPadre | |
| 22.05.2023 | LR11000 parts started to arrive at Starbase for construction of mega bay 2
Michael Sheetz: "SpaceX seeks to join the FAA as a co-defendant to fight the environmental lawsuit against the federal regulator over Starship, outlining potentially "severe" implications for the company. With @lorakolodny: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/22/spacex-joining-faa-to-fight-environmental-lawsuit-over-starship.html" S26.1 Cryo proof test at Massey's |
LabPadre | |
| 21.05.2023 | Ship QD on SQD-arm has been removed by LR11000X
Back of BQD has been removed S25 reattached to LR11000X OLM: One of the main propellant lines for BQD was removed at 16:41 |
LabPadre | |
| 20.05.2023 | B11 CH4 tank stacked on the final quad ring section, now 13/13 rings tall
S25 detached from LR11000X crane |
LabPadre | |
| 19.05.2023 | LR1300 crane began assembling the first level of mega bay 2 at its foundations
White high pressure tanks moved to launch site to be installed near the steel water plate water supply tanks S29 stacked onto Mid-LOX section inside high bay, now 5/6 sections tall McGregor: SpaceX released a video of a Raptor test firing into a water cooled steel plate, likely as a test for the water cooled steel plate that will be installed under the OLM |
LabPadre | |
| 18.05.2023 | S25 arrived at launch site; connected to LR11000X
S29 midlox section moved into high bay for stacking Insallation of glass in mega bay top floor started B11 CH4 tank stacked onto another 3-ring section, now 9/13 rings tall LR1300 began lifting in positionfor reeving at build site S25 lifted onto Pad B at SoLS (13:15-13:42) S26.1 test tank underwent Cryo Proof Test at Massey's test site |
LabPadre | |
| 17.05.2023 | New intermittent RC for 17–18 May (11pm-3am) for S25 roll out
S25 started to roll out to launch site |
LabPadre | |
| 16.05.2023 | FCC: SpaceX filed a FCC permit request for IFT-2, start date NET June 15 Tyler Gray
S29 was attempting to stack ont the common dome again, first section to be stacked with new 2-point load spreader B6 test tank was tipped over as scrapping of the recently ruptured tank continued OLM: Water cooled steel plate (pre-)assembly underway RGV S25 roll out started and aborted LR11000 picked up ship lifting squid [for S25 lifting] |
LabPadre | |
| 15.05.2023 | Michael Sheetz / SpaceX team: Kathy Lueders, former top NASA human spaceflight official, joined SpaceX according to CNBC sources. She will be based at Starbase and will report directly to president & COO Gwynne Shotwell
Intermittent RC for 15 May revoked, new intermittent RC for 16 May (10pm-2am) A Bruckner LR1300 arrived at Starbase, likely to assist with construction of the new mega bay B6 test tank tested to destruction with water in what appeared to be a test of the FTS system |
LabPadre | |
| 14.05.2023 | LR11000X was risen again, having been laid down since a week before IFT-1 | LabPadre | |
| 13.05.2023 |
-Musk: Raptor V3 just achieved 350 bar chamber pressure (269 tons of thrust). Congrats to @SpaceX propulsion team! Starship Super Heavy Booster has 33 Raptors, so total thrust of 8877 tons or 19.5 million pounds. 1, graph included] -Bergin: Epic! Was it the firing on the Tripod Stand? Been a busy day at McGregor! -Musk: Yeah. To be frank, we did not expect the engine to survive a full duration run at that pressure. It is uncharted territory. 2 -Musk: Raptor chamber wall might have the highest heat flux of anything ever made 3 -Tim Dodd: As I’ve talked about in my “How to keep a rocket engine from melting” video and my video about Raptor 1 VS Raptor 2, SpaceX is employing regenerative cooling & a good amount of film cooling. Wonder if Raptor 3 completely eliminated the additional throat film cooling manifold yet -Musk: No, we still have it. Chamber converging section desperately wants to melt next-level. We also have thermal barrier coatings. 4 -Evelyn Janeidy Arvalo: I wonder if Raptor V3 looks different or similar to Block 2 -Musk: If we can delete & integrate enough secondary structure (small, fiddly bits), then we can locally protect rest & delete engine heat shields 5 |
Elon Musk
LabPadre |
|
| 12.05.2023 | S29 stacked onto common dome using the new 2-point load spreader at 01:06, destacked again at 02:26
New intermittent RC for 15 May (10pm-2am) |
LabPadre | |
| 11.05.2023 | S29 common dome moved to high bay
B11 forward dome lifted and stacked onto a 3 ring tall section, CH4 section now 6/13 rings tall |
LabPadre | |
| 10.05.2023 | OLM: Approx. 100 ft/30m tall rebar lowered into place after piledriver completed drilling; concrete poured afterwards
HLS: Jim Free visited SpaceX to talk with the team about the HLS and to dive deeper on individual components. Pictures with HLS related info. Jim Free Catherina Koerner also took part Catherina Koerner B11 fwd dome moved from the tents to staging area in front of mega bay Squid removed from high bay bridge crane and replaced with 2-point lifter; 2-point lifter attached to S29 nose cone - would be 2nd lift with the new load spreader and the first time for stacking |
LabPadre | |
| 09.05.2023 | High bay 1: Scaffolding finally being removed WAI / Cosmical Chief | LabPadre | |
| 08.05.2023 | [none] | ||
| 07.05.2023 | OLIT cladding being reinstalled, interestingly the same, earlier removed panels are being used [Sparrow] | LabPadre | |
| 06.05.2023 | Piling/drilling machines delivered to OLP, new foundation work started | LabPadre | |
| 05.05.2023 | S26.1 cryo test at Massey's test site
S25 cryo test at Massey's test site S29 stacked onto its fwd dome section |
LabPadre | |
| 04.05.2023 | S29 fwd dome moved into High bay for stacking | LabPadre | |
| 03.05.2023 | SoLS pad A thrust puck shucker removed
OLS tank farm: A hole on damaged LOX tank shell (Shell 4), that likely spilled LOX, has been patched with what appears to be a steel plate [Sparrow] |
LabPadre | |
| 02.05.2023 | OLIT damaged tower cladding removal began
OLM: New door cut into the OLM at the top of the new staircase for enabling crew access OLM: Broken foundation rebar has been straightened out for repair RGV OLM: "Doghouse" (cover for pipes at the base of OLM) cut free and lifted by crane. New blue pipes now going down into the crater Kevin Randolph |
LabPadre | |
| 01.05.2023 | OLM work platform (dance floor) and raptor install platform moved to the launch site
S29 nosecone stacked onto payload bay section; this marked the first operational stacking on the new turntable on the left side of high bay. FAA: "Environmental groups sued the FAA today in federal court over its approval of SpaceX's expanded Starship launch operations next to a national wildlife refuge in South Texas without requiring greater environmental study." Joey Roulette |
LabPadre |
April 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.04.2023 | First column for new mega bay lifted at Sanchez Site. "The new Bay is being built using the steel that initially was used [intended] for construction of the Roberts Road Mega Bay." [Sparrow] Starship Gazer | LabPadre | |
| 29.04.2023 | Storm at starbase
Elon Musk Starship Twitter Space [see OFT-1 for summary] |
LabPadre | |
| 28.04.2023 | S29 payload bay section moved into high bay for stacking
B11 aft section moved to mega bay at 09:51 S24 transport stand moved from launch site to ring yard Dag RGV: A telehandler, forklift and multiple light towers are charred due to the fire RGV B11 LOX tank stacked onto its aft section, LOX tank now 24/24 rings tall; CH4 tank stacking not yet started [Mouser] |
LabPadre | |
| 27.04.2023 | OFT-1: Footage from Evereyday Astronaut and Cosmic Perspective Released here
S29 nosecone moved into high bay for stacking OFT-1 info: Nelson/Jeff Foust: "Nelson says SpaceX has told NASA that it can repair the pad and prepare the next Starship in about 2 months. Last week’s failure is “not a big downer”." Fire spotted at Massey's test site around 7pm, cause unknown, extinguished later in the night |
LabPadre | |
| 26.04.2023 | OLM: Scaffolding assembled
OFT-1 info: US Fish and Wildlife assessment of launch: "US Fish and Wildlife has made its assessment on the impacts of SpaceX's Starship launch: -- 3.5-acre fire started south of the pad -- 385 acres of debris on SpaceX land and Boca Chica State Park -- concrete chunks and other objects hurled thousands of feet -- no debris documented on refuge fee-owned lands -- no dead birds or wildlife reported" Loren Grush |
LabPadre | |
| 25.04.2023 | S28 lifted off turntable using the new two-point lifting jig at 03:18
S29 nosecone moved from in front of windbread to ring yard at 09:55 Booster QD extended for first time since launch at 18:30 [Epic Spaceflight] |
LabPadre | |
| 24.04.2023 | Chopsticks moved down the OLIT, causing relief in the community as it was a sign that the pulley, cable and the winch didn't seem to significantly damaged
S27 rolled out to the rocket garden Kevin Randolph, WAI New two-point lifting jig testing started on S28 in high bay |
LabPadre | |
| 23.04.2023 | Workers entered OLM at 09:57 | LabPadre | |
| 22.04.2023 | OFT-1 (aftermath continued)
S27 moved inside high bay |
||
| 21.04.2023 | OFT-1 (aftermath continued) | ||
| 20.04.2023 | OFT-1 | ||
| 19.04.2023 | Lot of work on B7 north HPU cover and booster QD
OLM work platform (dance floor) lowered with visible scaffolding removed at around 16:04 OLM work platform departed launch site around 16:30 OFT-1 Updates: -FAA: April 22 added to list of potential launch dates -VixXi: "Cryo fuel delivery update. Total deliveries since "Scrub" up to midnight 18 April.
-SpaceX, Lucid: "During the Starlink Group 6-2 launch, Jessie confirmed Starship could in fact have a second launch attempt as soon as tomorrow morning, but could likely scrub. (At T-5 minutes in the stream)" -Flash: "neighborhood to evacuate again." -LabPadre: Press members arrived at launch complex at 14:18 -SpaceX: "Teams continue working towards Thursday, April 20 for the first flight test of a fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket" |
LabPadre | |
| 18.04.2023 | OLM work platform (dance floor) returned to launch site and raised just before 08:00
Extensive work on B7 HPU covers and OLM booster QD SoLS Pad A thrust rams started to being removed at around 19:44 OFT-1 Updates: -TFRs for April 20 removed; for April 23–24 posted -ATCSCC advisory: Primary: 04/21/23, Secondary 21–28 -TFR for April 20 restored -NOTMAR, Baylor: New NOTMAR posted for April 20–28 -ATCSCC advidory: April 20 added back to list as primary launch date -Cameron County: "SpaceX is targeting Thursday, April 20th for the integrated flight test of Starship from Starbase in Cameron County, Texas. [...] Residents of Cameron County and those in the nearby area may hear a loud noise resulting from the rocket’s 33 Raptor engines firing upon ignition and as the vehicle launches toward space, but what people experience will depend on weather and other conditions." -SpaceX: "SpaceX is targeting as soon as Thursday, April 20 for the first flight test of a fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket from Starbase in Texas. The 62 minute launch window opens at 8:28 a.m. CT and closes at 9:30 a.m. CT." -Musk: "The team is working around the clock on many issues. Maybe 4/20, maybe not." |
LabPadre | |
| 17.04.2023 | Starship 7/24 OFT-1 integrated test attempt scrubbed, WDR instead
Tankers started delivering consumables to the OLS tank farm OFT-1 Updates: -ATCSCC advisory: new primary 19th, secondary on April 20–21 -TFRs for April 18–19 removed Space TFR -SpaceX: "Teams are working towards Thursday, April 20 for the first flight test of a fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket" -SpaceX: "SpaceX has published the new official stream for launch, which will starts on <t:1681994700:f> in your local time. The 62-minute window opens at 8:28 am, and closes at 9:30 am CT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1wcilQ58hI" |
LabPadre | |
| 16.04.2023 | OFT-1 Preparations:
-11:42 Tracking dishes pointing towards Starship 7/23 OFT-1 Updates: -SpaceX: "Teams are completing final checkouts and reviews ahead of Starship’s first flight test attempt; weather is looking pretty good for tomorrow morning but we're keeping an eye on wind shear" -Musk: "Launch attempt tomorrow" -RGV: SpaceX issued media credentials |
LabPadre
SpaceX |
|
| 15.04.2023 | Boom lifts haver returned to S24 and B7 FTS area at around 7:40
OLIT elevator's counterweight failed (sparks observed at 1:47:16; see here) and fell to the ground, crews inspected area Temporary pressurization lines detached from S24 QD port S24 lifted onto B7; fourth full stack of Starship 7/24 OLM work platform moved back to Shipyard, along with two SPMTs that were used to transport S24 B7 FTS installation completed late night OFT-1 Updates: -TFRs for Brownsville TX updated:
-Cameron County: Issued a nose advisory for the test, beginning at 7:00 CDT and spanning the entire 150 minute launch window: "SpaceX is targeting as soon as Monday, April 17 for the first integrated flight test of Starship from Starbase in Cameron County, Texas. The 150-minute test window opens at 7:00 a.m. CT. Residents of Cameron County and those in the nearby area may hear a loud noise resulting from the rocket’s 33 Raptor engines firing upon ignition and as the vehicle launches toward space, but what people experience will depend on weather and other conditions. SpaceX’s live webcast will go live approximately 45 minutes before liftoff at spacex.com/launches. Live updates will also be available on SpaceX’s social media channels." -Eric Garza: "Isla Blanca Park Temporary Operation Hours - Starship Launching: Effective tomorrow, Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 8:00 p.m., Isla Blanca County Park will be closed to all incoming visitors in preparation for the SpaceX Flight Activity scheduled for Monday, April 17, 2023." |
LabPadre | |
| 14.04.2023 | Chopsticks lifted to S24 lifting points
S24 and B7 FTS installation started FTS installation on S24 completed at around 21:00 OFT-1 Updates: -TFR: Unlimited flight TFR posted for Monday and Tuesday; 12:00-15:05 UTC -NOTMAR: "New Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB)/ Notice to Mariners (NOTMAR) issued for possible Starship testing on 17 Apr 2023 during 5:25a.m.-11:10a.m." Visit Boca Chica -FAA: Launch License Issued [see article: FAA Launch License] -SpaceX: "Targeting as soon as Monday, April 17 for the first flight test of a fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket from Starbase in Texas → spacex.com/launches" -SpaceX: released mission patch -Berger: "SpaceX says the Starship launch window will run from 7am to 9:30am local time (1200-1430 UTC) on Monday." -SpaceX: Official stream for launch published: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5QXreqOrTA -FAA: Programmatic Environmental Assessment amended (Written Reevaluation) for both vehicle's reentry plan [see: here, here; short summary by Alex:
|
LabPadre | |
| 13.04.2023 | OLM work platform lowered around 11:55
LR11000X lowered once again OFT-1 Updates: -NOTAM for Space: "NOTAM for space found for Mexico. Valid from 17 Apr 2023 to 22 Apr 2023 (Window of 5 days)" -Road closures for April 17–19 updated to list them as closures for flight operations -Residents informed to evacuate on Sunday |
LabPadre | |
| 12.04.2023 | S24 destack continued | LabPadre | |
| 11.04.2023 | S24 destacked from B7 (Starship 7/24)
OLM work platform left back up under B7 S26.1 lfited onto Can Crusher for the second round of stress testing at Massey's; now 2 rings shorter as skirt section was removed prior to lift LR11000X crane raised near SoLS tank farm OFT-1 Updates: -SpaceX: Launch stream for April 17 briefly appeared on YouTube -SpaceX: "Teams are focused on launch readiness ahead of Starship’s first integrated flight test as soon as next week, pending regulatory approval – no launch rehearsal this week http://spacex.com/launches/" -SpaceX: New info about telemtry, mission profile and timeline -NOTAMs for Space: NOTAM for space for Mexico April 17–22 |
LabPadre | |
| 10.04.2023 | LR11000X laid down near SoLS tank farm, possibly for WDR and launch
PEZ Dispenser installed into a payload section at 09:53 Portable camera rig sptted, may be used in an offical livestream FIREX test at 18:08 SpaceX: Remastered animation of Starship released OFT-1 Updates: -Musk: "Starship launch trending towards near the end of third week of April" -FAA ATCSCC Advisory: Times added again, and extended to April 22; Primary: 04/17/23 1200Z-1505Z; Backup(s): 04/18-22/23 1200Z-1505Z |
LabPadre | |
| 09.04.2023 | B7 additions were made to the stabilizer sockets, unclear why
OFT-1 Updates: -Musk: "Starship is ready for launch Awaiting regulatory approval" -FAA ATCSCC Advisory: updated: Primary: 04/17/23, Time TBD; no backups yet |
LabPadre | |
| 08.04.2023 | OLM platform lowered at 00:58
Musk Starship Update: "Will get bigger. Ship will probably stretch by another 10m or so."Twitter; "And we need to add 3 more Raptor Vacuum engines, because it’s inevitable" Twitter |
LabPadre | |
| 07.04.2023 | Flame diverter parts for OLM spotted at Starbase RGV
OLM scaffolding removed Eagle Eye Chuck B11 downcomer/transfer tube installed Mouser OFT-1 Updates: -Navsafety NGA Mil: Hazard notices released for April 17–21; 1025Z-1610Z Musk Starship and OLM Update: "High-strength stainless steel armor is needed to protect the launch stand from the world’s biggest blowtorch! Even steel will be eroded fast by the Starship booster plume. We will need to make a water-cooled steel jacket to achieve full reusability." |
LabPadre | |
| 06.04.2023 | S28 stacking in high bay completed
S26.1 at Massey's attached to crane for lift onto can crusher for another round of testing OFT-1 Updates: -SpaceX: "Starship fully stacked at Starbase. Team is working towards a launch rehearsal next week followed by Starship’s first integrated flight test ~week later pending regulatory approval" -Musk: "Starship is stacked & ready to launch next week, pending regulatory approval" -FAA ATCSCC Advisory: Now showing April 17 as launch date with backup on April 11–12 Romera; 1200Z-1505Z |
LabPadre | |
| 05.04.2023 | S28 thrust section moved into high bay for stacking
S24 stacked onto B7 for OFT-1; third full stack of Starship 7/42 Ship QD arm retraction test at 15:35 and reattached to S24 at 15:42 OFT-1 Updates: -NOTAM for space for Mexico from April 10–12 NOTAMS -Insprucker: "Spending time now working on webcast rehearsals for first test flight of Starship." S28 stacking likely aborted |
LabPadre | |
| 04.04.2023 | Work platform raised underneath OLM at 2:38
S24 moved towards OLIT at 2am, moved between chopsticks at 02:50, aft flaps opened at 08:35 Chopsticks rose to S24 lifting hight at 09:15 Chopsticks locked into lifting pins of S24 around 10:08 Raptor Work Platform left launch complex towards build site [Epic Spaceflight] Starship 7/24 OFT-1 updates/speculation: -FAA most recent ATCSCC advisory indicates a possible OFT-1 of April 10 with backup launch dates of April 11 and 12 -Davenport: "For the SpaceX Starship launch attempt, 4/10 is possible, I’m told. The FAA safety evaluation is complete, the legal review is underway but there is an environmental issue to close out. That may or may not get resolved by Monday but it sounds like the license is almost there." -Berger: "For what it’s worth SpaceX has told NASA it is targeting April 10, with backup days on April 11 and 12, for the Starship Orbital Flight Test. None of this is official without a launch license and the usual caveats apply. Who knew that wen hop applied to more than Easter bunnies?" -FAA Spokesperson: April 10 date's appearance on the agency's ops plan advisory "should not be interpreted as an indicator that a determination to issue a license has been made or is forthcoming" for the SpaceX Super Heavy/Starship 7/24 orbital test flight. Stephen Clark |
LabPadre | |
| 03.04.2023 | 06:33 FIREX test, another one at 08;41
B7 propellant load test Ship pins on chopsticks extended out and arms opened for possible S24 stacking at 18:37 |
LabPadre | |
| 02.04.2023 | B11 LOX tank: another 4 ring sectin had it's stiffener removed and moved into mega bay possibly for stacking (would be 20/24 rings tall) | LabPadre | |
| 01.04.2023 | B7 transport stand rolled back from launch site towards sanchez site
One Raptor engine moved to rocket garden, possibly for installation on S26 Starship 7/24 OFT-1 updates/speculation: -Langbroek: "Navigational Warnings have apeared for the inaugural (and strictly speaking: suborbital) launch of SpaceX's Starship. It will go into a ~26.5 deg inclined orbit with splashdown in the Pacific Missile Range, Hawaii, some 1.5 hrs later, just before completion of 1 revolution." "26.36 degrees fits even better" -Berger: "The last NET date I heard was April 10. So not this week, but they are getting rather close." -Musk: "More than days away, but hopefully not many weeks away" -McDowell: Estimated flight trajectory |
LabPadre |
March 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.03.2023 | S26 first raptor center installed, also first electric TVC Raptor to be installed on a ship
3 SPMTs moved to rocket garden ahead of S24 roll out S24 roll out to OLS Astrolab: "Today we announce a launch agreement with SpaceX - Our FLEX rover is headed to the Moon aboard a Starship landing system as soon as mid-2026. Once it completes its mission, FLEX will become the largest and most capable rover to ever travel to the [moon]" Coast Guard: Hazard zone marked by Research Buoys are being placed by SpaceX in the general area of B7s splash down zone (OFT-1) |
LabPadre | |
| 30.03.2023 | OLM work platform lowered onto its stand at around 05:14
RC for today cancelled B11 LOX tank lifted overnight and stacked on a 4-ring section, now 16/24 rings tall, next section moved to mega bay staging area Temporary and Intermittent RC for April 1 (12am-3am) SpaceX: Updated their Website with new information regarding the suborbital flights and construction of the OLIT and chopsticks |
LabPadre | |
| 29.03.2023 | B7 moved to OLM
OLM work platform lowered B7 lifted onto OLM S26 second (SN212) and third Rvac engine moved for installation Booster QD extended to B7 OLM work platform raised between 19:50-57 OFT-1: -DutchSatellites: "The FAA is in the final stage of completing the launch license for Starship's Orbital Flight Test. SpaceX should have it in hand in under a fortnight." -Davenport: "This tracks with what I’ve heard. Unless there’s an unforeseen problem, SpaceX should have the launch license for the Starship debut launch by April 14 or thereabouts. Then again, there always could be last-minute checks that cause delays." |
LabPadre | |
| 28.03.2023 | OLM Purge Test
SPMTs rolled under B7, counterweights loaded at around 03:40 S28 lifted and stacked on mid LOX section in high bay at 11:00; only downcomer and aft section missing Booster QD retraction test in full speed at 15:02 Shipping containors moved near satellite dishes Ship lifting pins on chopsticks retracted [vxtwitter] |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[2] |
| 27.03.2023 | S32 scrapped aft barrel attached to crane (5 ring) [vid 28]
S24 worked on [vid 28] S26 still attached to crane; preparations for engine installation with lfit platformmoved under it [vid 28] OLM work continued [vid 28] LOX delivery to OLS [vid 28] Foundation work for new building near starfactory continued; earth work behind mega bay [vid 28] SPMTs with counterweights moved to launch site, possibly to move B7 Helicopter arrived at build site which was previously used to patrol and clear around launch complex during major testing RVac SN205 under S26 for installation -S26 moved from high bay to rocket garden, readied for lifting it on tall stand -OLM legs extrensions filled with concrete, seeming quite late (they were added in 2021); pressure washer lifted onto OLM -Signs for B7 return on OLM; FTS worked on, but explosive charges likely not yet added; HPU covers reinstalled again -Foundation work for new building near starfactory continued -More deluge manifolds at PPS; however not much work on deluge system at OLS -B8 scrapped section attached to crane, lifted off transport stand -B10 fully stacked -S24-S27 have been stacked in two main sections (nc, payload, fwd dome, which are stacked on rest), S28 was now stacked in a strict top to down method instead of two separate parts; this way, the crane can rest attached to the nc during the whole process, furthermore welding robots will only need to work on the ground and not high up in the air; however, it remained unclear, how they would add the CH4 transfer tube, as it couldn't be lifted into the LOX tank from above anymore. -S29? nosecone in tent 3 TPS installation, one flap installed at least -S30 likely nosecone TPS tile installation; a payload section spotted as well in tent 3 -Starfactory: Ship fwd dome section, S30?, and booster aft dome section, B14?, and more barrel sections spotted -Chopsticks scaffolding removed -New stairs at OLM removed -New fire suppression system tested, water being sprayed towards OLS tank farm |
LabPadre | |
| 26.03.2023 | |||
| 25.03.2023 | S26 lifted at rocket garden [vid 28]; placed on the new stand at around 1:52
Steel removed from OLM [vid 28] Scaffolding removed under OLM [vid 28] SPMTs with counterweights moved to launch site, possibly for B7 move to OLM [vid 28] S31 PEZ dispenser installed into payload bay in front of tent 3 |
LabPadre | |
| 24.03.2023 | S28 mid LOX section moved into high bay at 03:13
B11 LOX tank was lifted and stacked onto a 4-ring section, now 12/24 rings tall (13:14) |
LabPadre | |
| 23.03.2023 | [B10 fully stacked in mega bay]
Insulated pipe connected to crane at Massey's WAI, Randoph: "B7 HPU covers have been reinstalled again. Again." OLM new second set of stairs removed and transported away from launch site at 17:20 |
NSF
Nic Jack |
[3] |
| 22.03.2023 | S28 nc+payload [add: plus fwd dome] stacked on common dome section in high bay [vid 23] [add: new stacking method!]
OLM ventilation hose through shield access door; work near and on OLM [vid 23] Ship fwd an booster aft sections in Starfactory [vid 23] B10 CH4 tank stacked onto LOX tank, stacking completed at around 11:30 |
LabPadre | |
| 21.03.2023 | Powerwasher lifted onto OLM, later lifted off again
B8 aft section lifted at production site S25 cryo test at Massey's at around 23:00 McGregor: Tripod stand raptor test for 139 seconds; including throttling |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Jack |
[4] |
| 20.03.2023 | OLM final panel for outer shielding installed [vid 21]
OLM concrete finally being pumped into the leg extensions [vid 21] B7 worked on / inspected [vid 21] Booster QD on OLM extended [vid 21] Piling work for new building at production site continued [vid 21] B8 scrapped aft section with header tank is attached to crane at sanchez site [vid 21] Water deluge Manifold still being stored at Sanchez [vid 21] Barrel section stand moved on SPMT at production site [vid 21] S26 attached to new LR1750 crane at rocket garden [vid 21] GTC-900 crane moved at rocket garden [vid 21] B10 methane section attached load spreader and crane in mega bay [vid 21] S28 nosecone attached to crane in high bay [vid 21]; cmn dome section moved into high bay at 18:49 Booster fwd dome spotted [vid 21] Transfer tube outside tents [vid 21] -Elon Musk alluding to launch date: third week of April -OLM work, shielding adding continued; New staircase being added at a northern leg; steel boxes being installed below the new outer shield, possibly related to some air vernting inside the mount; later, final outer shielding added -Deluge installation continued -Chopsticks worked on as well -S24 tiles finally being installed -High ship stand work continued, possibly for easier engine installation -Piling and foundatin work for new builiding near starfactory continued -Massey's: NC31 worked on; S25 attached to cryo station -B7 one HPU cover removed again -S26, S27, S28 in high bay worked on; B11 segments spotted -S32 aft stiffened barrel scrapped for pucker made on wo 2795094 do not use for flight |
LabPadre | |
| 19.03.2023 | B11 stacking began with cmn dome lifted onto a LOX tank barrel; first operational stacking of the 2nd mega bay turntable and robot welder
S26 moved out of high bay at 23:30, arrived at rocket garden at 23:48, possibly to be lifted onto the new higher ship stand [vid 21] |
LabPadre | |
| 18.03.2023 | OLM work continued [vid 21]
Water deluge pipe lifted near OLM [vid 21] B10 CH4 tank moved to mega bay for stacking at around 01:20 McGregor: Concrete pad / structure seen near horizontal stands, similar to the one spotted on February 7; raptor vs concrete test; south bay doors opened on super draco stand |
LabPadre | |
| 17.03.2023 | Mouser: "After a 4 ring section and a single went into Mega Bay, a 5 ring section emerged confirming a second welding robot and turntable have been installed in the front right of Mega Bay. The quint exits at 05:00 CDT..."
Remedios Storage Site near PPS work on the concrete Drilling for pilings and concrete foundation work continued next to Starfactory for a new building Mega bay backside extension door has been installed rcently S32 aft barrel section (scrapped for pucker), 5 ring -Roberts Road: --OLIT #3: Tower segments: floor panels for segments 1, 4, 5 being added; won't be for LC-40, and not for a catch only tower—Chopsticks #3 flipped for Shoulders installation; main carriage system structure put in place—Starfactory roof finished, wall looks complete -LC-39a: --LR11350 crane not reconfigured but dismantled [!]; may be a while until QD arm and OLM table to being installed; carriage system not yet installed to pulley system, cables missing -LC-40: --Rebar for new crew access tower spotted -Blue Origin Campus: --New hardware spotted such as domes, stand—Stand inside twocat—Reef pathfinder building, vertical assembly building progressed -LC-36: --New Glenn fairing transport container spotted; SPMTs; a lot of activity—Tents: hardware and tank sections spotted; possibly a header tank spotted |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Jack |
[5] |
| 16.03.2023 | Elon Musk: "SpaceX will be ready to launch Starship in a few weeks, then launch timing depends on FAA license approval. Assuming that takes a few weeks, first launch attempt will be near end of third week of April, aka …"
McGregor: Tripod stand raptor test for 139 seconds B11 cmn dome section moved to in front of mega bay at 13:13 S28: stacking of fwd dome under payload/nc sections completed, lifted off onto a stand |
LabPadre | |
| 15.03.2023 | SPMT moved to Massey's test site
NC31 worked on inside "nosecone jail", "Test structure is used to simulate flight loads on the nosecone"; at Massey's S25 attached to cryo station at Massey's S26.1 test tank worked on thourgh hatch at Massey's OLM work continued S26, S28 nosecone, S27 in high bay B7.1 test tank moved at Massey's ahead of the intermittent RC for tonight S28 stacking continued: fwd dome joined the payload bay and nosecone - first successful double lift for a ship Another piece of the new turntable was moved out of mid bay and into high bay, furthering construction of second high bay turntable Over the last 2 nights, both HPU covers were once again removed from B7 S26 moved arount the ring yard, then moved back into high bay IFT-1: Jeff Foust cited SpaceX's Tom Ochinero: "so close" to launching Starship; waiting for FAA license so we can announce launch date. Jeff Foust |
NSF
Jack LabPadre |
[6] |
| 14.03.2023 | OLM work continued, still one segment in outer shielding, gaps between segments have been filled; one staircase being added [?][vid 15]
Chopsticks worked on [vid 15] S24 remaining TPS tiles at prvious lifting points being installed [vid 15] Ship stand worked on at production site [vid 15] Pile drilling work for new building near starfactory continued [vid 15] Four raptor engines spotted today (Raptor 21, 22, 23, 24) Two Grid fins moved to just outside mega bay; all 4 grid fins now there [B7] |
LabPadre | |
| 13.03.2023 | NSF Starbase Update:
-Deluge system pipes added -OLM work -Taller Ship stand worked on at rocket garden, possibly for engine installation -B9 engine installation has started -S28 nc stacked on payload bay section; (new nosecone method) -NC31 installed in test rig at Massey's Three Raptors delivered to Mega bay (Nr 18, 19, 20) New intermittent RC for 15–16 March (10pm-1am) |
LabPadre | |
| 12.03.2023 | [none] | ||
| 11.03.2023 | [none] | ||
| 10.03.2023 | Max-Q testing rig (Nosecone Jail) placed around nosecone 31, NC31
Raptor delivery to mega bay continued (Nr. 17) B7 lifted off OLM by chopsticks onto trasport stand; likely to facilitate OLM work B7 moved away from OLM B10 aft section rolled out again to mega bay McGregor: 100 seconds Raptor test on vertical stand |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[7] |
| 09.03.2023 | S26 inspected / worked on at production site [vid 10]
NC31 test nosecone moved from PPS to Massey's test site [vid 10] S28 nosecone lifted in high bay, stakced on top of payload bay section [vid 10]; initially, SpaceX attempted to do the first ship double lift with payload bay hanging from the nosecone. For unknown reasons, this was aborted and the payload bay was lifted onto the turntable with a crane. New intermittent RC for March 9–10 (10pm-2am) SPMT with counterweights moved to launch site Raptor engine deliveries to mega bay continued (Nr. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) B7 transport stand moved to OLM at 21:00 |
LabPadre | |
| 08.03.2023 | Two point lifter tested at production site; "This is a new lifting rig to lift ships like the chopsticks without need for nosecone lift points [vid 10]
S27 lifted off turntable in high bay S28 nosecone moved into high bay More raptor engines moved into mega bay for installation on B9 (Nr. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) S28 payload bay moved into high bay McGregor: 78 seconds Raptor test on tripod stand; 112 seconds Raptor test on tripod stand |
LabPadre | |
| 07.03.2023 | LN2 delivered to OLS tank farm
OLM work continued, one gap remaining, likely to facilitate access B7 worked on near aft section S24 work near fwd dome hatch at rocket garden New LR1750 crane at PPS/Rocket garden Stand structure with ship mounting points (6 ship clamps) attached to LR1750 at rocket garden Scrapped B8 aft section at Sanchez site Heavy duty structure (260 us tons, not for lifting) at production site NC31 test nosecone worked on at PPS B11 fwd dome section spotted Bauer BG28H drilling rig work near starfactory Raptor engine moved to mega bay for installation on B9 (Nr. 1, 2, 3, 4) SPMT rolled down hwy 4 S26 moved out of high bay New intermittent RC for 8–9 March 2023 (11pm-2am) IFT-1: Elon Musk: Elon Musk at a Morgan Stanley conference says again that Starship's first full-stack test launch from Texas will happen "hopefully in the next month or so, we'll have our first attempt." Adds "80 percent chance of reaching orbit this year" (Joey Roulette) McGregor: 120 seconds test on horizontal and 115 seconds test on vertical stand |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[8] |
| 06.03.2023 | Water deluge pipe delivered to launch site [vid 07]
Base for a new turntable moved into high bay from mid bay B9 disconnected from bridge cranse in mega bay New ring with 6 ship clamps spotted at Sanchez site (Cosmical Chief, WAI) McGregor: 113 seconds Raptor test on vertical stand -New LR1750 could help construction of a potential new mega bay -Ship payload bay section spotted, not for flight, no TPS pins; built in Starfactory with new tooling -S26.1, B7.1, B6 test tanks with S25 at Massey's; S25 possible there for GSE testing -S28 lift points attached -Foundation work at former shipyard / scrapyard; Bauer BF28H drilling rig - possibly for new mega bay |
LabPadre | |
| 05.03.2023 | [none] | ||
| 04.03.2023 | OLM outer shielding installed; two or so missing, one attempt near the QD failed, succeeded later [vid 07]
Starlink dispenser installed in S30 barrel section (payload bay section) |
LabPadre | |
| 03.03.2023 | OLM work continued; outer shielding panels added; 2 still missing
Black horizontal tanks delivered to launch site, looking like some preassure tanks; moved near the deluge tank area and offloaded New MSIB / NOTMAR issued for possible Starship testing on 10 March 2023, 8am-8pm (Visit Boca Chica) McGregor: Short Raptor test on tripod stand |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[9] |
| 02.03.2023 | NC31 with testing cap installed to help simulate flight loads on the test article [vid 03]
Foundation work at production site, Bauer BG28H drilling rig working [vid 03] S24 flaps closed and chained [vid 03] OLM outer shielding: more sections installed; only 3-4 full sections remaining [vid 03] McGregor: storm over McGregor |
||
| 01.03.2023 | S25 and several test tanks at Massey's test site; SPMT left Massey's, tanker truck delivery to it
Lifting point attached to S28 nosecone McGregor: 107 seconds Raptor test on vertical stand; 134 seconds Raptor test on vertical stand; 111 seconds Raptor test on horizontal stand |
NSF
Nic Jack |
[10] |
February 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28,02.2023 | S26 lifted off SoLS Pad A by LR11000X [vid 01]
New LR1750 crane raised at production site near rocket garden [vid 01] S25 shifting at Massey's [vid 01] S26 lifting squid removed, LR11000X disconnected [vid 01] NC31 test nosecone worked on at PPS [vid 01] Payload bay barrel section spotted outside tents [vid 01] S26 moved to production site [vid 01] New intermittent RC for 28 February (7-9pm) for S26 move LR1750 crane raised for the first time at Sanchez Site McGregor: 179 second Raptor test on tripod stand -B7 HPU unit on north site installed as well; aft and engine section work continued; engine shielding, no Raptor swaps were necessary; HPU covers added -B4 stand worked on -OLM shielding work -S22 scrapping continued with aft dome -Buoyes: unknwon reason, could aid to monitor marine exclusion zone or for the booster splashdown zone -Jeff Foust: According to Gary Henry, senior advisor for national security space solutions at SpaceX said, that the 31 engine SF was the "last box to check" befor launch -B10 aft section rolled into mega bay and back to tent again -OLM stairs added to easily access "Dance Floor" OLM work platform Elon Musk: "Raptor start is now reliable on the test stand under most conditions. Now we’re working on dynamically adapting the start sequence based on increasingly difficult propellant inlet pressures & temps. Operating with low pressure, “warm” liquid oxygen is particularly important." |
LabPadre | |
| 27.02.2023 | S26 cryo proof tested
B6 test tank moved from Sanchez site to Massey's test site Lifting squid attached to S26, 2 SPMTs arrived at launch site for transport McGregor: Several short Raptor tests on tripod stand between February 23–27 |
LabPadre | |
| 26.02.2023 | [none] | ||
| 25.02.2023 | S25 at Massey's test site [vid 01]
OLM outer shieliding installation continued [vid 01] LR11000X detached from S26 |
LabPadre | |
| 24.02.2023 | OLM outer shielding installation continued [vid 01]
B7 south HPU cover test fit, new north HPU cover installed [vid 01] Counterweights loaded onto an SPMT at production site [vid 01] Plates placed on hwy 4 [vid 01] S25 moved to Massey's test site [vid 01] B10 (persumed) aft section appeared to have moved back into tent 1 after midnight LR11000X attached to S26 McGregor: Short Raptor test on tripod stand |
LabPadre | |
| 23.02.2023 | S25 lifted off pad B by LR11000X
More outer shielding lifte onto OLM, work on new staircase at an OLM leg OLM: new cover installed at the lower back end of the booster QD hood Ventilation hose accidentally ripped B10 aft section moved into mega bay (with header tank) Starlink tooling loaded onto truck in starlink building; several Starlink satellites spotted in the building B7 on HPU replaced [vid 01] S25 rolled back to production site [vid 01] Nosecone cage/jail separated into two pieces at Massey's test site, probably due to be used for the upcoming test of the NC31 (nosecone 31) test articel New (3rd) intermittent RC for 24–25 February (11pm-2am) (for S25 move) Lifting point removed from what is presumed to be B11 fwd section McGregor: Short Raptor tests on tripod stand |
NSF
Nic Jack LabPadre |
[11] |
| 22.02.2023 | S27 stacked in high bay [vid 23]
Possible crane parts moved from launch site to production site [vid 23] OLM shielding delivered to production site [vid 23] Starlink loader moved out of starlink building on SPMT [vid 23] Test nosecone NC31 lifted onto test rig [vid 23] Liebherr crane parts accidentally delivered to launch site moved to production site [vid 23] -Static fire recap; 31 engines of 33 fired; 50% throttle, flight will be at 90%; test produced 7.0 million lbf of thrust (~3600 metric tons), less than half of capability; total booster thrust at lift off is 2.26MN * 33 engines *0.9 = 67.12 MN -Countdown: not much different than WDR; final OLM vent at 13:43:40, topped at 13:52:00 due to many attempts; from here to T0 1:22:00, for WDR 1:15:00, LOX tank was full in both tests -TLDR: Fuelling Duration 1:15-1:25; expect ground service equimpent to struggle |
||
| 21.02,2023 | S26 Cryo Proof Test [vid 23]
S27 tank section moved inside high bay [vid 23] |
||
| 20.02.2023 | Booster sump with anti-vortex device delivered
S22 scrapping continued Scaffolding installed at B7 LOX hatch S25 worked on near QD OLM work continued Buoys spotted at production site S24 work inside payload bay section S27 aft section in high bay -New plumbing at CH4 side: possibly for extension / subcooler addition -B8 aft section scrapping paused; work on transport stand however -Starfactory contains payload bay sections -OLM scorching; no crater in concrete underneath - lot of work; staircase shielding -Pipe and earth work -B7 raptor heat shielding removed -S27 stacking |
NSF
Nic Jack |
[12] |
| 19.02.2023 | Work on scaffolding around B4 [vid 20]
OLM work continued; preparation for adding more outer shielding; second shielding, now with an access door, added [vid 20] |
||
| 18.02.2023 | OLM work platform with Raptor shields lifted under OLM / B7 [vid 20]
NC31 test nosecone lifted onto test stand at PPS [vid 20] Second replacement HPU lifted and installed on B7 [vid 20] OLM outer shielding: first piece installed [vid 20] |
||
| 17.02.2023 | Ship QD arm moved away
Chopsticks raised; QD arm moved in again Booster QD retraction tests B7 spin prime test -Roberts Road: --OLIT #3 segments identified: west: sections 1–3; 4–6 to the east; section 1 has the chopstick stop; section 4-5 have concrete floors to access QD-arm; section 6 has a beam for pulley of carriage system; section 7 is only 2 levels high, section 8 (columns spotted) will also be 2 levels (instead of 3+1 for OLIT #1 and #2); columns for section #9 ready—Chopsticks #3 under construction, same length as for OLIT #2 --QD #2 more plumbing added—Starfactory looking nearly complete, roof being completed at the very south -Blue origin: more New Glenn hardware suspectedly spotted; orbital reef building structural work; vertical assembly area yellow bridge crane 30tons installed; foundation work for composite assembly building; LC-36 structure work, possibly for transporter erector, dome and barrel section spotted -LC-39a: --Chopsticks installed on OLIT #2 --LR11350 Crane reconfigurations; either for QD-arm lift (scaffolding would need to be removed), or for OLM table -LC-40: --Crew access tower being worked on; ground has been cleared to the west of the TE in recent weeks, piles work going on for foundation McGregor: 301 seconds test on horizontal stand |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Jack |
[13] |
| 16.02.2023 | OLM work platform lowered under B7 | LabPadre | |
| 15.02.2023 | B7 second HPU cover removed at 9 am [vid 17]
Foundation work behind high bay near PPS [vid 17] Deluge equipment stored at PPS [vid 17] S28 nosecone outside tent [vid 17] Subcooler (Hippo) stored near satellite dishes [vid 17] B7 new HPU worked on [vid 17] MSIB issued for testing on February 16–17 McGregor: Falcon 9 landing leg test stand with a leg installed and tested; 194 seconds test on tripod stand - longest known Raptor test on Tripod stand to date |
LabPadre | |
| 14.02.2023 | Raptor maintenance tower/work platform returned to launch site after having been at build site for a week
S27 nosecone and payload bay section stacked on its fwd dome at 20:40 in high bay [vid 17] B7 missing HPU lifted; originally on B8 [vid 17] Nosecone test article (NC31) moved to Sanchez site / PPS [vid 17] McGregor: 53 [49?] second test on Tripod Stand |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Jack |
[14] |
| 13.02.2023 | Marvin crane LR11000X detached from S26 after 7am [vid 14]
Replacement HPU for B7 spotted next to OLM, labelled SN15 [vid 14] B7 raptor shrouds removed [vid 14] OLM stairs shielding added [vid 14] S27 nc+payload section; fwd dome section moved into high bay for stacking [vid 14] Oil rigs Phobos and Deimos have been sold as announced by Gwynne Shotwell: "Gwynne Shotwell told reporters last week that SpaceX sold the rigs; "they were not the right platform." Still interested in sea-based launch platforms, but the company wants to start flying Starship first and understand it before proceeding." Jeff Foust], this comes after speculation due to both rigs listed in the departure list of Port of Pascagoula (Deimos on 20 Feb, Phobos on 12 March) -Installation of deluge GSE equipment; tanks possibly for helium or nitrogen to pressurize and push water to OLM; water pipeline with manyfold started -S24 crane lifting points removed, metal plates added over it as cover -B7 static fire recap; pad seems to be in gould condition; tank farm berm has some scortching as well -Trench worked on west and south of OLP, likely related to deluge system McGregor: Short Raptor test on Tripod Stand |
LabPadre | |
| 12.02.2023 | S26 connected to load spreader; QD adapter removed; lifted onto SoLS pad A by LR11000X [vid 14]
Scrapped ship section spotted [vid 14] Barrel sections in and outside starfactory [vid 14] Booster thrust puck outside tents [vid 14] S27 nc+payload section near mid bay [vid 14] Raptor engines in tent 1 [vid 14] S22 nosecone and test nosecone near wind break; test nosecone (NC31) attached to a crane [vid 14] Pipes lifted at OLS tank farm CH4 side; work near CH4 subcoolers [vid 14] Work near SoLS pad B [vid 14] Heavy work on and near OLM continued [vid 14] Ship QD attached to S26 on pad A McGregor: NSF update: Test article worked on |
LabPadre | |
| 11.02.2023 | Musk on 31 engins SF and orbital launch with B7: "This test is at ~50% throttle. Launch attempt next month will be at ~90%."
B7 second HPU cover removed [vid 14] S26 rolled out to launch site (around midnight) [vid 14] |
LabPadre | |
| 10.02.2023 | OLM work platform reinstalled at OLM [vid 14]
Inspection and work near and on OLM [vid 14] Trench work south of OLP between water / deluge tank stands and OLM [vid 14] Part labeled with "Flame Diverter" spotted at Starbase RGV B9 hooked to new load spreader using both bridge cranes in mega bay at 21:28 McGregor: 89 seconds test fire on Tripod stand, throttling around 1 minute mark; 158 seconds fire on vertical stand; 4 seconds fire on horizontal stand |
LabPadre | |
| 09.02.2023 | OLS deluge system pipes (parts for OLM) headed towards Starbase RGV
B7 31 engine static fire NSF vid] McGregor: Two Short Raptor tests on tripod stand, one on horizontal test stand |
LabPadre | |
| 08.02.2023 | Shotwell: 33 engine static fire as a big mile stone for tomorrow, Starship's first flight expected "in the next month or so", "Mars hopefully this decade, maybe early next decade" Micheael Sheetz, B7]
Overpressure notice issued to residents for tomorrow B7 static fire attempt Raptor work platform lowered |
LabPadre | |
| 07.02.2023 | Road closure (08:01 - 11:07)
LN2 tank delivered from port to Starbase during a road closure McGregor: Raptors fire against concrete at horizontal stand; 90 seconds fire on vertical stand |
LabPadre | |
| 06.02.2023 | S28 nosecone outside tents
Raptor work platform behind tent 3 S27 worked on in mid bay NC31 (test nosecone, without tip) in front of tent 3 Installation of water tank on bases west of OLP continued OLM scaffolding being installed SoLS pad B covering removed Musk: "attempt to launch in March. Success is far from certain, but excitement is guaranteed." [Starship 7/24] MSIB issued for testing February 7, 09, 10, 13, 14, 17 (B7 static fire) -Rocket garden: S24 brought there for final upgrades and protection -SpaceX: Cargo variant 150 tonnes to earth orbit reusable, 250 tonnes expendable -B7 one HPU still missing; 3 raptors replaced last week -OLM wiring and cabling as well as painting continued -Chopsticks hydraulics worked on -West of OLP: new foundations built, either for expansion of tank farm, or area for new deluge GSE -OLM work platform called "Dance floor" by SpaceX -Concrete work near SoLS pad B; likely to upgrade the berm -S22 scrapping |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Jack |
[15] |
| 05.02.2023 | 4 GSE tanks delivered to the launch site; according to Zack Golden: "It's important to note that these are most likely not for storing water, but to function as gigantic water hammer arrestors. This system still needs a very large water supply that currently does not exist."
4 new GSE tanks lifted into place by Grover crane next to the OLIT on the previously built concrete foundations, this in connex with the new water deluge system (see here) [see vid 06] MEGCs (multiple element gas containers) lifted [vid 06] Raptor work platform (not to be confused with OLM work platform) moved to the production site [vid 06] |
LabPadre | |
| 04.02.2023 | Musk: "If remaining tests go well, we will attempt a Starship launch next month" [Starship 7/24]
OLS deluge system: Piping and high pressure tanks deliverd to launch site; first piping part installed into place near the concrete foundations Tipless testing nosecone removed from low bay S30 nosecone moved out of tent 3 with tiles in place, moved into low bay |
LabPadre | |
| 03.02.2023 | Marmac 2680 barge arrived after nearly 2 weeks journey from Port Canaveral at Brownsville with GSE equipment for OLS deluge system
Marmac 2680 barge with water deluge system parts (tanks, pipes, a manifold; and a start of a booster transport stand) for OLS offloaded RGV, NSF] - [see last NSF Cape update video] S26 in high bay, B9 in mega bay S22 nosecone scrapping near windbreak continued Booster thrust puck delivered Deliveries to production site Earth work west of SoLS pads S25 worked on Foundation and earth work on launch site (south, between OLS and SoLS) continued, likely for deluge system Purging/flushing of SoLS tank farm at 18:14 OLS deluge system: GSE equipment and piping started to being delivered and unloaded at OLS B7 one HPU unit still missing McGregor: 49 seconds test on tripod stand, after being inactive for 16 days for repairs due to damage and storms; several falcon related tests |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Jack |
[16] |
| 02.02.2023 | Concrete work west of Pad B on SoLS
OLM / B7 worked on S27 payload-nc section; B10 methane section; S28 nosecone and mid LOX sections spotted S22 nosecone attached to crane near tent 3 / windbreak McGregor: Short test on vertical stand |
NSF
Nic Jack |
[17] |
| 01.02.2023 | S27 nosecone moved out of high bay [vid 02]
Possible OLS deluge related pipes assembled at Sanchez RGV Raptor engine moved to launch site for replacement [vid 02] OLM work platform lowered under B7 and removed, making place for raptor stand [vid 02] Concrete work west of OLP [vid 02] Rboost engine SN42 removed from B7 [vid 02] S25 inspected [vid 02] Grinding in B7's engine section [vid 02] |
LabPadre |
January 2023[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.01.2023 | S27 nosecone and payload bay welding completed, lifted off turntable in high bay
Musk: "Expendable upper stage may or may not fly, but it is an option" |
LabPadre | |
| 30.01.2023 | S24 tiling over the lifting point attachments started
Chopsticks and OLM worked on ahead of potential 33-engine static fire of B7, OLM legs being painted some more New foundations west of OLP worked on, earth work [add: water deluge?] Cape: NSF Chopsticks summary: From 6–24 January -Carriage rolled to LC-39a -Cranes repositioned at LC-39a for chopsticks installation -Carriage placed on support gantry -Chopsticks (of shorter length than at Starbase) rolled out to pad -Chopsticks scates installed on OLIT -Chopstick arms installed on carriage -Chopsticks installed on OLIT by LR11350 McGregor: Short test on horizontal stand |
LabPadre
NSF Jack |
[18] |
| 29.01.2023 | Rocket garden: B4, SN15, S24, S20 [vid 30]
B8 and S22 scraps near starfactory [vid 30] LR11000X not yet raised [vid 30] S24 covers put in place over the lifting point attachments McGregors (NSF, not dated): Several short raptor tests during past week |
LabPadre | |
| 28.01.2023 | B7 replacement engine SN105 lifted into place
B7 second engine removed, second replacement engine lifted into place, at 9:20 OLM work platform moved up under B7 [add: replacement done with raptor stand, not work platform] [vid 30] Removed engines moved to production site [vid 30] S24 all six lifting points removed in preparation for orbital flight [vid 30] Booster aft section with a header tank moved into tent 1 [vid 30] |
LabPadre | |
| 27.01.2023 | William Gerstenmaier: Booster 33-engine static fire could happen "maybe next week" Joey Roulette, B7]
Concrete work near OLM [vid 30] S27 nosecone stacked onto its payload bay section in high bay at 09:06 OLM work platform lowered under B7 in preparation of swapping two Raptors, Raptor cradle lifted onto the platform to hold the engine during the installation and removal[vid 30] S28 nosecone moved to ring yard / high bay [vid 30] Unknown raptor engine delivered to launch site [vid 30] B7 raptor engine removed at 22:43 |
LabPadre | |
| 26.01.2023 | S24 moved to rocket garden (not for decommissioning)
Work on starfactory wall Raptor engine delivered from production site to launch site, unknown if for B7 or S25 |
LabPadre
NSF Jack Nic |
[19] |
| 25.01.2023 | Ship QD retracted from S24 [B7] ahead of possible destack, QD arm retract [vid 26]
B8 LOX tank scrapping begun, thurst section moved out of mega bay LR11000X crane lowered Starship 7/24 destacked [vid 26] Ship QD arm extended again [vid 26] B8 aft section with header tank spotted [vid 26] Chopsticks opened and released S24 [vid 26] -LC-40: Excavator spotted; unknown purpose yet [could be for new OLIT #3 or a new crew access arm] -BO: lot of work on new buildings (orbital reef pathfinder building, vertical assembly building); at LC-36, a 7m diameter structure was spotted, possibly for NewGlenn -Robert's Road: --OLIT #3 segments: 6 completed, 7th is a shorter one (lower part of the top section), columns for even shorter top section spotted—Chopsticks: left for LC-39a; QD arm pieces still in work, end part missing yet, but much pipes installed; possibly parts for chopsticks #3 and carriage system already there—Starfactory: highest section progressed, roof of rest nearly complete -LC-39a: --Chopsticks and Carriage rolled out; carriage put on red frames for assembling the different parts of the chopsticks—Tanks missing, moved to turning basin next to VAB; 4 white horizontal water tanks, high pressure tank clusteres; deluge equipment (manifolds and pipes) spotted near it, resmebling the one installed at LC-39 OLM (!!); 3 big tanks labelled with LN2 possibly for Massey's. Much of this hardware has been removed from the old foundation area where SpaceX was working on a Starship tower previously right next to the big falcon ramp. Barge turned up and loaded the equipment, heading to Brownsville |
LabPadre | |
| 24.01.2023 | B7 and S24 depressurized and repressurized as seen from dents [vid 26]
OLM leg pipe covers being painted [vid 26] OLM raptor work platform moved up under Starship 7/24 S24 transport stand moved to OLM RC (intermittent) added for Jan 26, 8-10am SpaceX: "After completing Starship’s first full flight-like wet dress rehearsal, Ship 24 will be destacked from Booster 7 in preparation for a static fire of the Booster’s 33 Raptor engines" [B7, S24] Cape: Chopsticks for OLIT at LC-39A installed by LR11350 [SpaceflightNow] |
LabPadre | |
| 23.01.2023 | Starship 7/24 full Wet Dress Rehearsal
NSF update on road to orbit for Starship: -4 more remaining milestones: Static fire of 33 engines in destacked configuration; additional single-species prop system testing; full WDR; FAA license -S24 stiffener rings on Rvac engines have been removed recently, so another static fire of ship is doubtful -TPS tiles finishing and crane attachment point removal pending -Restack and some more testing possibly -FAA launch license: Unknown state -Launch might need several attempts |
LabPadre
NSF Jack |
[20] |
| 22.01.2023 | S22 nosecone lifted in high bay during scrapping [vid 26]
Mini helicopter delivered to Starbase LabPadre Cape: LC-39A: Chopsticks now free standing on support structure, both cranes detached; Barge with Starship GSE left KSC turn basin [Spaceflight Now] [add: with equipment for OLS deluge system at Starbase] McGregor update of past week (no dates provided): 1000 tests passed since NSF coverage 9 month ago started; Preburner test on tripod stand; relight test on tripod stand; Electric TVC test on tripod stand, 94 seconds fire; several explosions, some RUDs, some to test new blast shield; sea level engine test on horizontal stand for 167 seconds; Rvac tested on horizontal stand for 113 seconds; preburner test on vertical stand, sea level engine test on vertical stand for 117 seconds; RUD at vertical stand; possible HLS thrusters spotted and tested, fired for about 34 seconds |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 21.01.2023 | Nosecones worked on near and in tent 3; S28 ready, likely S29 TPS tiles being added [vid 26]
B8 fwd dome moved out of mega bay indicating full scrapping of CH4 tank section [vid 26] S27 in mid bay [vid 26] S22 scrapping began, aft section cut off [vid 26] OLM worked on at several areas [vid 26] Rebar and foundation work near SoLS pad B [vid 26] B7 HPU units have been removes [vid 26] S25 flaps opened [vid 26] Testing TFR posted for January 23 with a notable 4000 ft addition to regular 10000 ft TFR OLM platform lowered under Starship 7/24 |
LabPadre | |
| 20.01.2023 | B7 one of the hydraulic pressure unit (HPU) covers was removed
B8 methane tank cut off in mega bay Starlink payload box moved back to processing building Kevin Randolph/LabPadre]t S25 detached from LR11000X and squid New MSIB/NOTMAR issued for Starship 7/24 testing for 23 and 25 January 8:00 - 20:00 (extended range) S27 tank moved from high bay to mid bay (partially completed) Cape: LC-39A: 2nd chopstick arm lifted into place and flipped upright, installed, completing the general assembly of the chopsticks McGregor: Raptor RUD |
LabPadre | |
| 19.01.2023 | S27 nosecone moved
B8 confirmed inside mega bay for scrapping B10 CH4 tank rolled out of mid bay overnight B7 hydraulic power unit (HPU ) worked on [7/24] OLM worked on Starlink satellites spotted in Starlink building B8 moved out of and back into mega bay; HPUs missing Raptor engines with electic TVC inside tent 1, RSN202 identified OLM work platform lifted under Starship 7/24 Cape: KSC turning basin: large barge loaded with various Starship GSE pars, such as horizontal liquid and gas tanks, water piping, incomplete booster transport stand; LC-39A: Chopstick carriage skates installed on OLIT; One of the chopstick arms lifted and flipped upright for installation on carriage [Spaceflight Now] |
LabPadre
NSF Jack Nic |
[21] |
| 18.01.2023 | FIREX system tested on OLM [vid 19]
S22? transport stand move out of high bay [vid 19] S22, S26 and S27 in high bay [vid 19] Booster methane sump and transfer tube spotted [vid 19] Large black pipe parts delivered to production site [vid 19] [add: water deluge?] S28? nosecone with flaps and TPS tiles attached to crane in front of tent 3 [vid 19] S27 stacking in high bay, now 3 sections high Starship 7/24 propellant load test, CH4 tank on booster loaded more than last time B8 rolled out of rocket garden for scrapping [vid 19] S28? mid-LOX section worked on; aft flap root measured [vid 19] McGregor: 30 seconds fire on vertical stand |
LabPadre | |
| 17.01.2023 | OLM work platform lowered from under Starship 7/24
LR11000X connected to S25 S25 lifted onto SoLS pad B by LR11000X B8 SPMTs moved under it S22 SPMTs moved under it, HPU cover removed Kevin Randolph WAI; aft flaps have been removed S22 left rocket garden, moved in front of high bay Mega bay extension work on the inside continued Nosecone in front of wind break briefly lifted OLS: Pad cleaned by sweeper Tanker deliveries to OLS tank farm Common dome and booster aft dome at production site MSIB issued for testing on 18–20 January, 8:00-20:00 with extended range on 18 January S27 stack (midlox and cmn sections) moved from mid bay to high bay for further stacking; thrust section moved also into high bay, lifted onto turntable |
LabPadre
NSF Nic |
[22] |
| 16.01.2023 | OLM and booster QD worked on [vid 17]
Launch site front gate fell over [vid 17] Squid for LR11000X delivered to launch site (for S25 lifting) |
LabPadre | |
| 15.01.2023 | Raptor engines with electric TVC spotted in tent 1 [vid 17]
Maria from Starship Boca Chica confirmed that an important testing event will occur on Wednesday, January 18, with villagers being asked to leave Boca Chica Village by 7:30am. Possibly a Starship 7/24 WDR or even Static Fire. |
LabPadre | |
| 14.01.2023 | S25 transported to the launch site
OLM worked on S29 or S30 PEZ dispenser installed outside tent 3 OLM work platform lifted under Starship 7/24 Starlink dispenser installed in a payload bay for an unknown ship [vid 17] Elon Musk: "About five full stacks" this year to be built -Concrete blast target spotted near McGregor test site -Tripod stand: blast shield for exhaust redirection and water deluge shown; relight tests -Rvac and sea level Raptor engine on horizontal test tands; northeast stand indicated by "train vent", Rvac; for north stand, there's a massive concrete foundation with a blast target next to it to be installed - possibly to test raptor plume on flat surfaces for a good solution at the launch sites |
LabPadre
NSF |
[23] |
| 13.01.2023 | OLM FIREX test on 6.30am
Starship 7/24 partial propellant load test [vid 14] Intermittent road closure issued for 14 January, 8-10am NSF Starbase Flyover: (Jan 10th) -Production Site: --Booster aft dome, fwd dome; 2 fwd ship domes; S27 nosecone; ship mid-LOX sections with aero covers and TPS tiles (S28?); B10 CH4 tank in mid bay; booster thrust puck; nosecone and payload section at wind break; booster header tank and transfer tube part; mega bay workstations for corners to be installed -Launch Site: --Pad has been levelled at the south end of OLS [add: possibly for OLM water deluge?] -Massey's: --Foundation work |
LabPadre | |
| 12.01.2023 | OLM FIREX test at 06:58 am
Elon Musk on Starship 7/24 timeline: "That's a good guess", on question by Chris Bergin (NSF): "Does this sound about right, Elon? Cryotest today, then WDR next week. Destack for 33 engine Static Fire. Final TPS work on Ship 24. Re-stack. Launch License. Possible end of Feb/Early March if all goes well (per your previous timeline)?" SpaceX on Starship 7/24 timeline: "Team are stepping into a series of tests prior to Starship's first flight test in the weeks ahead, including full stack wet dress rehearsals and hold down firing of Booster 7's 33 Raptor engines" Pipe sections for a possible underground water deluge system for Starship Launch pad at Starbase arrived at Massey's test site last week, possibly to upgrade the OLM after the first or second orbital launch; 4 out of 6 corner pieces present, 2 Tee's laying in front of those. Zack Golden GSE testing ahead of further Starship 7/24 testing Cape: Chopsticks rolled out from Robert's Road to LC-39A OLIT [Spaceflight Now] |
LabPadre | |
| 11.01.2023 | S22 one aft flap removed at rocket garden
Starlink Box moved out of Payload processing facility Cape: LC-39A: Top dome of big tank (purpose still unconfirmed) lifted into place [Spaceflight Now]; Roberts Road: 6 OLIT #3 segments look complete Greg Scott] |
LabPadre | |
| 10.01.2023 | B9 rolled back to mega bay
S29 nosecone tip removed, indicating it will be used with the nosecone testing rig at Massey's Kevin Randolph, WAI S22 TPS tiles and insulation being removed Starship Gazer |
LabPadre | |
| 09.01.2023 | B7 lifted onto OLM;
Chopsticks lowered from B7; ship lifting pins on chopsticks extended [very good visuals!!] S24 moved to OLP; chopsticks fully lowered again; moved between it, chopsticks raised and attached Booster QD attached to B7 Starship 7/24 stacked Ship QD connected to S24 Intermittent road closure issued for January 10 2-5pm McGregor: 39 seconds fire on tripod stand; Rapid relight test on tripod stand 39+7 seconds |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Jack |
[24] |
| 08.01.2023 | OLM equipment removed
SQD arm swung out, chopsticks lifted B7 rolled out to launch site, moved between chopsticks Chopsticks lowered to the bottom Chopsticks lifted again, attached to B7; lifting preparations, QD plate removed Elon Musk: "Massey’s gun range is being turned into a rocket test facility. Perfect match." |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Jack |
[25] |
| 07.01.2023 | Test rig removed from OLM and lowered to the ground
Two SPMTs moved into wide bay ahead of possible B7 roll out S24 disconnected from LR11000X [vid 08] Elon Musk orbital announcement: "We have a real shot at late February. March launch attempt appears highly likely." |
LabPadre
NSF Jack Nic |
[26] |
| 06.01.2023 | OLM testing continued [vid 07]
Booster QD opened; clamp testing ficture lifted out of the OLM after multiple load test of all 20 clamps [add: not yet complete] New concrete form at base of OLIT inspected [vid 07] Booster thrust puck spotted at production site [vid 07] S26 and S25 in high bay [vid 07] B7 preparations in mega bay for roll out [vid 07] Barrel sections spotted in starfactory [vid 07] Welder worked on a transport stand [vid 07] Single ring with hatch cutout moved [vid 07] S27 nosecone and an unknown single with a lot of tringers on it an pipes sticking out of it next to it [vid 07] PA: Ship QD blowdown [vid 07] OLM hold down clamp testing continued though the night [vid 07] S24 disconnected from LR11000X Cape: Chopsticks carriage rolled out to launch site, later flipped at LC-39A [Spaceflight Now] |
LabPadre | |
| 05.01.2023 | S24 attached to LR11000X
B10 methane section left mega bay at 06:44, entered mid bay at 07:07 S24 detached from Ship QD, lifted off Pad B by LR11000X (13:10-13:18) Chopsticks rose and lowered twice between 3.15 and 3.40 pm; tested OLM testing continued Intermittent closure posted for January 8, 3-5 pm Deep caisson drilling rig being assembled at Masseys, possibly for a Raptor test stand RGV SpaceX raised another $750 Mio San Antonio Express News |
LabPadre
NSF Nic |
[27] |
| 04.01.2023 | S25 payload door cover lifted into place to weld the door closed
OLM clamp load tester (Versabor) installed onto 2 clamps and disconnected [vid 05] Work on OLIT near and on the Ship QD arm [vid 05] OLS tank farm berm work continue [vid 05] OLS tank farm worked on [vid 05] S25 payload door welded shut [vid 05] MSIB issued for January 10, 12, 13 for testing B7 moved inside mega bay [vid 05] LR11000X moved and lifted squid next to S24 [vid 05] First load test performed on OLM clamps by new structure at 19:12 Cape: LC-39A: Chopsticks assembly jib constructed for OLIT chopsticks installation |
LabPadre | |
| 03.01.2023 | S25 payload door cover moved to high bay
2 SPMTs with no counterweights moved to ring yard and parked in front wide bay S28 common dome fliped WAI, Randolph S26, fully stacked, moved off the turntable inside high bay New load test mechanism lifted inside of OLM at 23:04 |
LabPadre | |
| 02.01.2023 | SPMTs with tons of counterweights moved under OLM
Mass simulator for OLM assembled near OLM Starship Gazer; Hydraulics to lift counterweights, possibly suspending over two clamps at a time Evert-Jan N |
LabPadre | |
| 01.01.2023 |
2022[]
December 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.2022 | |||
| 30.12.2022 | Two SPMTs moved to launch site at 2:19am
S26.1 concluded its testing at Masseys, possibly returning to PPS soon RGV |
LabPadre | |
| 29.12.2022 | B9 Cryo Proof Tested
Parts for the stabilizer clamps of more booster transport stands delivered RGV, Jake, Zack Golden] McGregor: 100 seconds Raptor test with elctric thrust vector control (TVC) on tripod stand; 109 seconds Raptor test on vertical test stand; 110 seconds Raptor test on horizontal test stand; New concrete structure being built in front of the horizontal raptor stand, appearing to be directly in the path of the center bay exhaust |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 28.12.2022 | |||
| 27.12.2022 | B10 methane transfer tube (downcomer) moved to wide bay and installed into B10 LOX tank | LabPadre | |
| 26.12.2022 | |||
| 25.12.2022 | |||
| 24.12.2022 | |||
| 23.12.2022 | |||
| 22.12.2022 | B7: 20 RBoost engine covers moved away from the shielding storage between Dec 15th and 22nd. They possibly went into wide bay for installation on B7 [The Ring Watchers, 27 Dec]
New hardware assemblede, likely a jig for lifting ships, so tile removal wouldn't be necessary anymore Starship Gazer, Thomaseo1 |
The Ring Watchers | |
| 21.12.2022 | B9 First Cryo Proof Test
Many Raptor 2 engines spotted in tent one with the new electric TVC hardware, possibly for B9 Starship Gazer McGregor: RUD of Raptor Vacuum engine on horizontal stand; 40 seconds Raptor test on tripod stand |
LabPadre
NSF Nic |
[28] |
| 20.12.2022 | B9 worked on at cryo station [vid 21]
OLS tank farm berm hight extension work continued, more concrete poured, now reaching western end [vid 21] CH4 deliveries to OLS tank farm [vid 21] OLM work continued [vid 21] S25 payload door worked on [vid 21] B10 LOX tank lifted and stacked onto a quad section, now 20/24 rings tall McGregor: 40 seconds Raptor test on tripod stand |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 19.12.2022 | S25 and S26 worked on in high bay; S25 work through payload bay access hole
2 SPMTs that transported B9 moved back to production site Gantry crane outside tent 3 moved by another crane LR11000X moved across launch site towards SoLS New subcooler delivered to production site (for OLS); "Subcoolers use liquid nitrogen to chill Starship's methane and oxygen propellants before prop loading and flight" McGregor: 47 seconds Raptor test on Vertical test stand (boost back duration?) -Roberts Road: --Starfactory work continued, roof of large lower part nearly completed, beams for the taller area halfway completed—No progress on mega bay—Chopsticks no major work; new hardware spotted near the QD arm, unknown purpose [add: possibly new chopsticks?] --5 OLIT #3 segments complete, outfitting underway, 6th under construction -Cidco Road: --TPS tile worked on hear likely—Two sets of 4 black metal stands spotted, used for the build up of tower sections; insulated pipes spotted as well -LC-39A: --Only few changes |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Nomadd |
[29] |
| 18.12.2022 | |||
| 17.12.2022 | Booster QD and Ship QD arm testing continued; ship QD retracted as well [vid 19]
McGregor: Rapid relight test of Raptor engine on Tripod stand, 40 + 40 seconds |
NSF | |
| 16.12.2022 | S26 final stacking: nosecone stacked on tank section [vid 19]
Booster QD and Ship QD arm retract sequence, looks like to be a test of how these systems will behave during a launch [vid 19] Concrete forms on OLS tank farm hight extension removed [vid 19] S24 closeup shows several areas of missing or damaged tiles [vid 19] B9 connected to cryo station [vid 19] McGregor: Rapid relight test of a Raptor engine on tripod stand, 40 + 16 seconds |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 15.12.2022 | S24 flaps tested again
B9 disconnected from wide bay crane ahead of roll out S24 single-engine static fire Ship QD arm moved after S24 static fire test B9 rolled out to launch site cryo station, no Raptors installed yet, starlink dish mounted on a chine OLS: Booster QD on OLM and Ship QD arm retracted at full speed in a launch configuration test at 18:36 McGregor: 40 seconds Raptor test on tripod stand |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Nomadd |
[30] |
| 14.12.2022 | S24 flaps tested ahead
Overpressure notice issued to residents for potential S24 static fire SPMTs moved to wide bay for potential B9 roll out Cape: Possibly the cable chain for the OLIT at LC-39a installed [Spaceflight Now] Cape: 6th tower segmant for OLIT #3 under construction at Robert's Road, the first 5 segments look more or less complete Greg Scott McGregor: 40 seconds Raptor test on tripod stand; 136 seconds test on horizontal stand |
LabPadre
NSF Nic |
[32] |
| 13.12.2022 | Gravel delivered at production site [vid 14]
S28 nosecone had its flaps installed, outside tent 3 [vid 14] B9 worked on in mega bay [vid 14] Mega bay extension work continued [vid 14] Starfactory work continued [vid 14] Booster transport stand and a ship mid LOX section (tiled, unknown Ship] behind it [vid 14] Test article spotted in front of mid bay [ship aft skirt test article?] [vid 14] PPS tent work continued [vid 14] MSIB issued for testing on Dec 15th McGregor: two 47 seconds Raptor tests on vertical stand, possibly for booster boostback burn; 39 seconds fire on tripod stand |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 12.12.2022 | S24 disconnected from LR11000X at 5:45 am
Delivery at launch site OLM work continued OLS tank farm berm height extension work continued, forms on one side removed SoLS pad A with hydraulic rams Prefab underground conduit stored at launch site (246SP) S24, damaged tiles next to payload hatch S26.1 test tank with structural test stand (can crusher) and top (cap) moved to Massey's Gun Range [vid 14] B10 quad section moved into wide bay for stacking B10 LOX tank lifted and stacked onto a quad section, now 16/24 rings all |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Nomadd |
[33] |
| 11.12.2022 | NASA deputy admin Pam Melroy: "They're [SpaceX] beyond the we're-probably-going-to-blow-up-the-pad phase", she also added she was aware of "how hard it is to develop a new location to launch rockets from. Safety is everything. ...And I think they're just experiencing some of those things." Davenport | LabPadre | |
| 10.12.2022 | S24 scaffolding now completely removed around it and SoLS pad B [vid 12, with a complete timelapse] | LabPadre | |
| 09.12.2022 | SPMT under ship stransport stand at rocket garden
Mega bay backside extension work continued Barrel sections spotted inside starfactory Test Tank 13 (TT13) [add=S26.1] moved to Sanchez site (PPS) at 01:07 Starlink box moved out of Payload Processing Facility McGregor: Very short raptor test on tripod stand |
LabPadre
NSF Nic |
[34] |
| 08.12.2022 | OLM heavy work continued, work on shielding and concrete below it [vid 09]
OLS tank farm berm hight extension work continued, concrete being poured below it, rebar work [vid 09] S24 scaffolding continued to be dismanteled [vid 09] Ship QD on QD arm worked on [vid 09] Yusaku Maezawa announced crew of DearMoon mission. The selection includes Tim Dodd, the Everyday Astronaut Maezawa Ship Aft Test article moved to PPS at 21:00 McGregor: Tripod test stand tests resumed after upgrades and testing; 47 seconds Raptor burn #3 on horizontal stand |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 07.12.2022 | S24 work continued, scaffolding continued to be removed; work around the crane attachment points
OLM work continued at several areas, such as the complex pipe manyfold area; replacement cryo pipe lifted onto OLM McGregor: 47 second Raptor firing on vertical stand, possibly a booster boostback burn duration test; 29 seconds Raptor test on tripod stand |
NSF
Nic Nomadd |
[35] |
| 06.12.2022 | S24 work continued, inside CH4 tank, scaffolding continued to being removed [vid 07]
OLM work continued, concrete work under it; more pipe covers added at the legs [vid 07] OLIT: three levels of shielding plates have been completed recently [vid 07] OLS berm hight extension work continued [vid 07] Top of mega bay still worked on, a lot of scaffolding still there [vid 07] Mega bay extension construction continued [vid 07] Work on new tent at PPS continued, especially on the side walls [vid 07] Ship aft skirt test article on can crusher/structural test stand tested, with sheriff blocking the access to the area [vid 07] S28 and S30 nosecones in tent 3, S29 nosecone attached to crane in windbreak [vid 07] B6.1 test article, made of a booster fwd dome section on top of a ship aft dome section [reverse?], completed stacking in mid bay [vid 07] Old payload bay pathfinder seems to be getting modified [vid 07] B7, B9 and B10 in mega bay [vid 07] McGregor: 47 second burn #2 on vertical stand; there were 11 total 47 secs tests this week |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 05.12.2022 | OLM more shielding added, work also on inside; unknown section lifted to it
QD arm worked on OLS berm work continued, additional height being added (concrete forms prepared) S24 scaffolding removal started S25 worked on in high bay via access hole, work platform not yet removed S28 and S29 nosecones in tent 3 Trash cleanup along dunes McGregor: 98 seconds Raptor test on horizontal stand |
LabPadre
NSF Nic |
[36] |
| 04.12.2022 | |||
| 03.12.2022 | Chopsticks lowered and opened [vid 05]
B7 rolled back to the production site [vid 05] B7 moved into mega bay [vid 05] Ship aft skirt test article worked on at PPS, structural test stand top has been added [vid 05] S25 PEZ dispenser welded shut RGV No news ad Cidco Road site, MKK2 nosecone still exists WAI |
LabPadre | |
| 02.12.2022 | B7 second engine removed and replacement engine lifted to B7; removed engines left launch site
B7 lifted off OLM by Chopsticks B7 rolled to the landing pad area [??] Load spreader moved to production site Mc Gregor: Raptor RUD on vertical stand; cryo proof test of new tanks on tripod stand [unknown date]; small engine tested, potentially for Starship HLS; small engine test stand shown (photo gary blair); firing of a raptor engine on horizontal stand for 84 seconds |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Das |
[37] |
| 01.12.2022 | 2 raptor engines moved to launch site, raptor fixture delivered as well [vid 02]
S24 work continued [vid 02] OLS concrete berm work continued [vid 02] OLM work continued [vid 02] OLIT and cladding work continued [vid 02] Delivery of a large unknown object (curved) [vid 02] S28 nosecone, tiled but no flaps installed yet, outside tent 3 [vid 02] S29 nosecone, no tiles and no attachment points, outside tent 3 [vid 02] S25 worked on in high bay [vid 02] B9 worked on in mega bay [vid 02] Ship aft skirt test article lifted onto structural test stand (can crusher) [vid 02] B7 transport stand moved to launch site B7 raptor work platform lowered; later lifted again; an engine was removed, replacement engine lifted into B7 [vid 02] Mc Gregor: Raptor test on vertical stand, 60 seconds |
LabPadre
NSF |
November 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.11.2022 | OLM raptor work platform lifted under B7
OLM worked on, inspections of charred areas Work on roof of GSE bunker at OLS OLIT cladding (two levels, and one on third) OLS concrete berm worked on S24 work continued S25, and S26 nosecone in high bay; S26 without tiles and flaps, but with antenna tiles B9 worked on in mega bay S28 nosecone in wind break, S27 nosecone outside Ship QD arm retracted, chopsticks lowered to base of OLIT Mc Gregor: Raptor firing on horizontal stand, 84 seconds |
LabPadre
NSF Nic |
[38] |
| 29.11.2022 | B7 static fire test (11 engines, 13 seconds) | LabPadre
NSF |
[39] |
| 28.11.2022 | OLM work platform lowered from B7
OLM FIREX system tested extensively B7 cryo test (possibly scrubbed/aborted static fire) S25 disconnected from bridge crane in high bay Overpressure notice issued to residents fot B7 static fire attempt Mc Gregor: Very short raptor firing on horizontal stand |
LabPadre
NSF Nic Nomadd |
[40] |
| 27.11.2022 | S27 nosecone section (8 rings + nc) moved from mid bay into high bay for stacking [vid 28]
Ship aft test tank [sic!] moved from wide bay to mid bay [likely the mean S26.1, or TT13; the ship aft test tank is small, not 8 rings tall] Overpressure notice issued to residents fot B7 static fire attempt |
LabPadre | |
| 26.11.2022 | S24 scaffolding now reaching to the mittle of the ship [vid 28]
Tent that was used in repairs of OLM removed [see yesterday] |
LabPadre | |
| 25.11.2022 | S24, basket lowered; typically containing equipment or replacement parts
Temporary tent between OLIT and OLM dismantled again Tent nearest to the water look like it has some air handling equipment to potentially help the interior be a cleanroom type environment [vid 28] OLM more shielding added to cover the piping; more shielding on OLIT as well [vid 28] S26.1 test tank? and S27 common and mid-lox section in mid bay [vid 28] B10 section in mega bay, B8 with view from below in rocket garden - good view of engine section plumbing! [vid 28] SN15 with removed flap skin shown [vid 28] Ship skirt with stringers shown [vid 28] Cape: 5th tower segment for OLIT #3 construction underway Greg Scott] |
NSF
Nic |
[41] |
| 24.11.2022 | S24 scaffolding rose around the ship, batches of TPS tiles removed from aft section [old info]
OLM worked on [vid 25] |
LabPadre | |
| 23.11.2022 | S24 worked on [vid 25]
Nosecone moved into the wind break (the one with tiles on it) [vid 25] MSIB issued for testing on 28–29 November S25 lifted off stand in high bay for RVac installation [?] |
LabPadre | |
| 22.11.2022 | Nosecone moved outside [vid 25]
Second nosecone moved outside [vid 25] -LC-39A—Drainage plans issued by SpaceX: Details of ponds and future buildings shown—LOX tank inner shell dome and pipes added, scaffolding removed—Drawworks for OLIT #2 spotted near it—Suspected water tank near CH4 area painted black, pipes laid out to the south of it -Roberts Road—OLIT #3 segments: 4 completed, fifth under constructions, parts for 6th ready; 2 new foundations for tower segments added, unknown reason—Chopsticks: Rail system installed—Tip of QD-arm next to it—Starfactory, southernmost part being constructed, more wall and roof pannels added—Mega bay work didn't continue |
NSF | |
| 21.11.2022 | Still quite stormy [vid 25] | ||
| 20.11.2022 | Temporary tent installed near OLS, likely supporting concrete work under the OLM [vid 25] | ||
| 19.11.2022 | S25 rolled back to its stand in high bay after engine installation [vid 25]
Storm at Starbase [vid 25] New Raptor 2 engine delivered to Launch site EpicSpaceflight Can crusher lifted off test tank? at PPS [compare 11 Nov] RGV |
LabPadre | |
| 18.11.2022 | B10 LOX tank stacking begun: cmn dome and aft #2 sections stacked, now 8 rings tall [The Ring Watchers]
Cladding installation on OLIT has begun [Chris Kleindl] Work around S24 continued, three rows of tilesnear the bottom removed S25 lifted in high bay, possibly to install the Raptor Vacuum engines Cape: OLIT drawworks installed at the LC-39A OLIT base |
LabPadre
NSF Chris K |
[42] |
| 17.11.2022 | New test tank spotted outside mid bay (add: TT13 or S26.1) [vid 18]
S24 worked on, more scaffolding added around aft sections, work also on rest of ship [vid 18] B6.1 test tank compression ropes removed from structural test stand after testing [vid 18] OLM inspection and work continued [vid 18] LOX cryo-pump motor delivered to OLS tank farm CH4 side (lifted at 18:00); according to NSF for LOX site [vid 18] B10 cmn dome section lifted and moved in front of mega bay to collect the next section, after that, both pieces were lifted back to the welding table [vid 18] McGregor: Raptor engine tested on vertical test stand |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 16.11.2022 | Methane CH4 deliveries to OLS tank farm [vid 18]
Ship aft sleeve worked on in tent 2 [vid 18] Tent construction at PPS continued with another beam added [vid 18] Rocket garden: B8, B4, SN15, S22, S20/SN20 McGregor: Raptor engine tested on horizontal test stand |
||
| 15.11.2022 | Booster cmn dome section spotted outside mega bay
S24 on pad B, and the pad receiving upgrades (add rather S24), a lot of scaffolding around the pad and ship aft section OLM work platform raised under B7 at 16:40 OLM damage inspection after B7 static fire; legs toasted quite a lot Ship transport stand near S24 Artemis: NASA awarded SpaceX a second contract option for Artemis moon landing. Option B award is valued at $1.15 bio [NASA] B6.1 test tank tested Ring Watchers, NSF], area closed by Sheriff for testing |
LabPadre
NSF Chris |
[43] |
| 14.11.2022 | Three raptor center engines moved into high bay for installation on S25
MSIB issued for testing on November 14–16 B7 14 engine static fire NSF; next is 20 seconds firing with max oxygen fill to test autogenous pressurization, possibly one more static fire, then orbital launch attempt [Musk] OLM testing [vid 15] S25: all three Rvac engines moved to high bay for isntallation LR11000X attached to S24 at 19:29 S28 and S29 nosecones spotted, S28 with tiles [vid 15] LR11000X attached to S24 [vid 15] OLM testing continued [vid 15] B6.1 test tank tested |
LabPadre | |
| 13.11.2022 | Overpressure notice issued to residents for tomorrow's testing [Mary]
OLM work platform lowered from under B7 McGregor: NSF view of horizontal test bays for Raptor |
LabPadre
NSF Chris K Nomadd |
[44] |
| 12.11.2022 | Raptor engine that was removed from S24 and speaker array moved away from launch site [vid 13]
Chopsticks raised ahead of static fire attempt of B7 [vid 13] OLIT tower entrance with equipment shown; Box installed at the base of OLIT, likely serving to protect piping and other components from Raptor exhaust (box shielding) [vid 13] Cladding for OLIT stored at launch site [vid 13] Deliveries to production site (grey tube like structures) [vid 13] SoLS pad B upgrade work while S24 is on the pad [vid 13] Ship Loadspreader shown at launch site [vid 13] OLM legs received mor shielding to protect the pipes running down the legs [vid 13] B10 fwd section visible in mega bay [vid 13] LR11000 lifted plumbing to Ship QD arm on OLIT, after that the crane returned to SoLS Pad B and picked up the loadspreader [vid 13] |
||
| 11.11.2022 | OLM work platform lifted under B7
OLM work continued, likely adding more shielding S24 one raptor center engine removed and taken to build site [Epic Spaceflight cam] Micheal Sheetz: Leadership at starbase recently shaken up with COO Gwynne Shotwell and VP Mark Juncosa now leading the facility; senior director Sam Patel moved back to Florida and Omead Afshar joined from Tesla as production VP; Juncosa's visit over the summer uncovered alarming findings about progress toward's a first launch attempt; furthermore, 10-25% pay bump was offered to HQ employees to relocated to Starbase |
LabPadre
NSF Chris Nic |
[45] |
| 10.11.2022 | Overpressure notice issued to residents for today's testing
White horizontal ferus propellant tank left production site via Gate A1 on SPMT, likely towards Massey's site [vid 11] Ballast left launch site on SPMT early morning [vid 11] LR11000X detached form S24 [vid 11] Work on a test tank [see Test Tank November 2023] and can crusher/structural test stand at PPS [vid 11][add B6.1] QD arm moved, chopsticks raised and opened [vid 11] B7 spin prime test including FIREX [vid 11] New test tank assembled in wide bay, name unknown, calling it test tank 13, TT13 the ring watchers [add: S26.1, consisting of S28 aft section] McGregor: 300 seconds Raptor Vacuum long duration test (roughly equal to a Starship orbital insertion burn); new larger vertical tanks installed on tripod stand |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 09.11.2022 | Work on raptor platform under B7
S24 moved to SoLS pad B area (09:12-09:55) Starlink box moved out of payload processing building S28 starlink dispenser lifted into wind break/low bay S24 attached to LR11000X at 14:15 Delivery to payload processing building; seems to be loaded with starlink satellites already, Starlink Block 2 satellites spotted Nosecone TPS tile work in tent 3, flaps missing yet S27 aft dome (4-ring) moved outside mega bay S24 lifted onto SoLS pad B at 17:40 OLM work platform lowered from under B7 [vid 11, on 10th?] B6.1 test article assembled with a ship aft section [see B6], Ring Watchers |
LabPadre
NSF Chris K Nic |
[46] |
| 08.11.2022 | OLM platform moved up to B7
S27 payload bay door installed Starship 7/24: S24 destacked from B7 New test article (2 rings with stringers) moved from ring yard to PPS near can crusher Chopsticks released and lowered S25 lifted off pad A and moved from SoLS to production site into high bay for engine installation Large new LOX cryo tank arrived at port of Brownsville from Cape Canaveral, transported to SpaceX's testing site at Massey's Gun range Starship Gazer McGregor: 3 consecutive 14 second Raptor tests; yesterday and today, all white vertical tanks have been removed from the tripod stand |
LabPadre
NSF Chris K Nic |
[47] |
| 07.11.2022 | OLM raptor work platform lowered from B7 and removed from OLM [vid 08]
Ship QD attached to S24 [vid 08] Starship 7/24 Cryo Proof Test; B7 CH4 tank [vid 08] S25 Cryo Proof Test; LOX tank FIREX tested on OLM |
LabPadre | |
| 06.11.2022 | 2 SPMTs with counterweights moved to launch site [vid 08]
OLM legs painted as they have been charred on previous static fire test [vid 08] Starship 7/24 work near connection points [vid 08] B10 one grid fin already installed in mega bay RGV |
LabPadre | |
| 05.11.2022 | OLIT: some cladding for OLIT spotted RGV | LabPadre | |
| 04,11.2022 | Some cladding for OLIT arrived at launch site RGV
Consumables delivered to OLS tank farm S28 nosecone in tent 3 agian S26 transfer tube installed in high bay SpaceX: 200th Raptor 2 engine produced Raptor 2 engines SN133 and SN128 delivered to production site [RGV] MSIB issued for testing on 7, 8, 10 November |
NSF
Nic Chris K LabPadre |
[48] |
| 03.11.2022 | Mega bay backside extension construction continued [vid 04]
S28 nosecone outside tent 3; work on nosecones inside tent 3 continued [vid 04] B9 construction in mega bay continued [vid 04] S27 nosecone still outside [vid 04] PPS new tent construction work continued, nearing completion [vid 04] Starship 7/24 Cryo Proof Test; 2 cycles - CH4 tanks then LOX tanks partially loaded McGregor: Rvac engine fired for 4 min, 40 sec; Shielded raptor spotted on vertical test stand; more engines tested |
NSF | |
| 02.11.2022 | Raptor 2 engines SN131 and SN153 delivered to production site WAI]
S25 Cryo Proof Test; LOX (fully) and CH4 tanks tested OLM word platform lowered [vid 04] McGregor: Raptor engine prepared for installation on stand |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 01.11.2022 | S27 midlox and common dome stack moved out of high bay to mid bay
S26 midlox and cmn dome stack moved out of mid bay to high bay S25 Cryo Proof Test (First); LOX and CH4 tanks tested S26 cmn dome + mid LOX section lifted onto aft section in high bay at 19:04 McGregor: Raptor engine tested on tripod stand |
LabPadre
NSF Nic John |
[49] |
October 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.10.2022 | OLM raptor work platform lowered
B8 rolled back to Rocket Garden without testing [vid Nov 01] Starship 7/24 Cryo Proof and SQD Test [vid Nov 01] McGregor: Raptor relight test NASA, Artemis: details on remaining steps ahead of first orbital launch Eric Berger; "NASA is tracking 4 Starship / Super Heavy launches. 1. was supposed to be early summer, now December, so SpaceX has lost a few month there. Then Starship-to-Starship propellant transfer. Then longer duration missions. Then entry development."; "Mark Kirasich says it'll take 12-18 hours for Starship with 2 crew to get down to the lunar surface after undocking from Orion on Artemis III. Then 6 days on surface and 12-18 hours to get back up to Orion. Other 2 crew remain on Orion the whole time." Smith; "some sort of an independent backup system for the elevator on the lunar lander." Smith "First test of cryo fluid transfer in orbit planned during second spacex Starship orbital flight." Klotz |
LabPadre | |
| 30.10.2022 | Interesting sounds on OLS [vid Nov 01] | ||
| 29.10.2022 | LR110000X moved to pad A, [vid Nov 01]
S26 thrust section moved into high bay for stacking 2 SPMTs moved to launch site S25 connected to LR11000X by load spreader [vid Nov 01] RGV: EDOME at Massey's was tested earlier this week to failure RGV S25 disconnected from load spreader and LR11000X [vid Nov 01] Lifting squid transported to production site [vid Nov 01] Booster engine shielding lifted and installed on B7 B9 chines installed [vid Nov 01] |
LabPadre | |
| 28.10.2022 | B9 fully stacked in wide bay at 22:21 [vid Nov 01]
S25 some testing (possibly ambient proof test) 4 raptor engines deliverd to production site; SN66, SN146, SN186 identified RGV MSIB issued for testing Oct 31- Nov 4 McGregor: Raptor relight test |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 27.10.2022 | B9 LOX tank removed from turntable and put on booster transport stand in wide bay
McGregor: New tank installed near tripod stand Raptor work platform raised [vid Nov 01] |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 26.10.2022 | S26 nosecone moved out of high bay into mid bay
S27 mid-LOX and cmn sections moved into high bay and stacked; S27 stacking began Barrel section moved into tent 2 Delivery of unknown objects to production site B6 test tank attached to crane Mega bay secondary building at backwall has progressed New tent construction started at PPS Starship 7/24 Cryo Proof Test; Both CH4 tanks tested |
NSF
Nic Jack LabPadre |
[50] |
| 25.10.2022 | S26 Nosecone worked on in high bay [vid 26], lifted off turn table
S27 Nosecone (likely) at production site, has hexagonal antenna tiles installed [vid 26] B9 Fwd tank spotted in mega bay [vid 26] Stand worked on at Rocket Garden / PPS [vid 26] Gravel work at PPS [vid 26] Nosecone TPS tile work in tent 3 progressed (S28?) [vid 26] Booster transport stand worked on at PPS [vid 26] 4-ring barrel section spotted in tent 1 [vid 26] Ship QD arm work platform moved into position [vid 26] |
LabPadre | |
| 24.10.2022 | Starship 7/24 Cryo Proof Test (First); Both LOX tanks tested
Musk: S24&B7 still planned for orbital test "unless it is damaged in testing. What really matters is that ship & booster production line is spooling up. Also, each new ship & booster has incremental design improvements." |
LabPadre | |
| 23.10.2022 | B10 methane tank lifted and stacked nto a quad section, now 13/13 rings tall
OLM work platform lowered from under B7 |
LabPadre | |
| 22.10.2022 | B7 transport stand moved back to production site | NSF
Nic Jack LabPadre |
[51] |
| 21.10.2022 | Raptor platform moved away from OLM/B7, raptor engine has been installed during the night [vid 22]
Starship 7/24 interface inspected [vid 22] S26 nosecone lifted into high bay [vid 22], stacked onto fwd dome Medevac helicopter arrived at Starbase, crews trained [vid 22] S27 nosecone spotted outside of tents [vid 22] SoLS Pad B work continue [vid 22] OLM work platform raised under B7 Cape: Inner dome for the new vertical tank at LC-39A installed (large tank near OLIT/LOX site) [Spaceflight Now] -Roberts Road: --OLIT #3: Three segments under construction, chopsticks rails with black colour spotted; southernmost segment is bottom segment with resting extension for chopsticks—Insulated pipes spotted near tents, likely for OLIT—Mega bay not yet progressed, but more beams staged—Starfactory work continued—Chopsticks arms look complete, actuators installed; rail work continued; one of four grabbing arms added to carriage system; QD arm cryo piping being installed -Pad LC-39A: --Deluge system for OLM installed—Methane tank farm connection work continued; likely water tank next to it [not the big one next to OLIT] painted black—West of main ramp, work continued as well, new cryo bunker being built, more tanks being added, possilby for LN2 storage |
LabPadre | |
| 20.10.2022 | S24 lifted by chopsticks, restacked onto B7; Starship 7/24 stacked for the second time
S25 lifted on; QD connectedto SoLS pad A for its testing campaign; no engines installed yet; both lifting operations took place nearly at the same time S24 QD connected and worked on [vid 22] SoLS Pad B upgrade or repair work undergoing [vid 22] Ship QD extended and retracted again [vid 22] Barrel section moved into mid bay [vid 22] LR11000X detached from S25 [vid 22] S26 nosecone (incl barrel) moved into high bay [vid 22] Raptor engine moved to launch site [vid 22] MSIB issued for testing from October 21–28 S26 LOX tank removed from turn table in high bay, moved to mid bay S27 payload bay moved out of tent 3, S27 nosecone moved from low bay to ring yard Raptor platform lowered from OLM/B7 Cape: LC-39A: Three large horizontal GSE tanks from the starship tank farm were removed, moved to the turn basin, and shipped out for unknown reason NSF McGregor: Raptor rapid relight test on tripod stand, relight possibly aborted; new propellant tank lifted into place; raptor static fire on vertical raptor stand (long duration) NSF |
NSF
Nic Jack LabPadre |
[52] |
| 19.10.2022 | S25 rolled out to the launch site; now two boosters and two ships at launch site for the first time [vid 20]
S25 attached to LR11000X, tensioned [vid 20] S26 fwd dome section moved into high bay McGregor: Raptor static fire test on tripod stand, potential failed relight; second test with same engine 23 minutes later NSF |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 18.10.2022 | S25 worked on in high bay [vid 20]
Ship QD retraction and extension extensively tested [vid 20] Ship QD arm access platform extended [vid 20] LR11000X rotated and lifted ship lifting squid [vid 20] |
LabPadre | |
| 17.10.2022 | S24 still attached to chopsticks
B10 CH4 tank lifted and stacked onto 3-ring section, now 9/13 rings tall McGregor: Raptor rapid relight test on tripod stand NSF |
NSF
Nic Jack LabPadre |
[53] |
| 16.10.2022 | Work platform lifted under B7/OLM [vid 17]
LR11000X moved to SoLS [vid 17] Ship QD arm retracted [vid 17] Two SPMTs with counterweights moved to ring yard Ship lifting squid moved to launch site B10 3 ring section moved into mega bay for stacking S24 lifted off B7 by chopsticks; Starship 7/24 destacked, possibly due to problems ship QD [vid 17] |
LabPadre | |
| 15.10.2022 | Work and inspection on OLM/B7 continued [vid 17]
Gravel and dirt work at SoLS [vid 17] Mid LOX section spotted outside tent 3 [vid 17] S27? Nosecone moved outside tent 3, 6 hexagonal tiles (antenna) spotted on it [vid 17] S28? nosecone TPS work inside tent 3 has progressed [vid 17] Work platform lifted under OLM/B7 McGregor: Raptor rapid relight test on tripod stand NSF |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 14.10.2022 | S25 and S26 worked on in high bay [vid 17]
Ship transport stand moved to OLM [vid 17] Nosecones for likely S27, S28 and S29 spotted in tent 3, on S28 nosecone, tile installation appears to have started, rest have no tiles yet [vid 17] Scaffolding around S24 QD removed this morning McGregor: Two more long duration raptor static fire test on tripod stand with TVC testing NSF] ("possibly testing new electric TVC that SpaceX is developing to reduce mass and complexity") |
NSF | |
| 13.10.2022 | B9 moved in mega bay
Ship QD extended, full speed retraction test, and extended again over night Starship 7/24 unknown testing; likely aborted due to some problems; chopsticks closed in on S24 after testing Expansion work behind mega bay continued Minor work on starfactory continued Ship aft test artickle skirt on structural test stand worked on (test tank), moved to dome yard CSI Another ship aft skirt which was used to test mating mechanisms worked on near gate A3 Transport stand moved by SPMT on Remedios Avenue S24 scaffolding added around ship QD connection McGregor: Two long duration raptor static fire test on tripod stand with TVC testing NSF] (1:34 min?) |
NSF
Jack Nic LabPadre |
[54] |
| 12.10.2022 | Ship QD disconnected and reattached to S24
B9 grid fins installed [likely the ones that were previously slated for B8] [vid 13] Drone inspected Starship 7/24 [vid 13] Ship QD extended and retracted 8 times over night [vid 13] S28 payload section PEZ dispenser installed [vid 13] Ship QD arm access platform extended [vid 13] S24 lifted off B7; interstage inspected by crews (possibly due to problems with mating mechanisms); then lowered back on B7 again [vid 13] Ship aft skirt test article placed onto B6 test tank B10 fwd dome section moved into mega bay; CH4 tank stacking began in mega bay: Triple fwd section lifted, stacked onto another triple section, now 6/13 rings tall McGregor: Raptor long duration static fire test on horizontal test stand NSF |
||
| 11.10.2022 | Ship aft skirt test article moved from ring yard to Sanchez site [13th]
S26 cmn dome section moved into high bay, mdilox attached below cmn dome section, lifted onto turntable in high bay Ship QD arm and QD movement tested several times Starship 7/24: S24 stacked on B7 by chopsticks after some issues [see main article]; QD arm extended; QD attached to S24 later B9 two grid fins installed (those were previously slated for B8!) |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[55] |
| 10.10.2022 | B10 methane tank, first section moved into mega bay and lifted onto turntable
Ship QD arm moved away, B7 lifted bay chopsticks onto OLM; stabilizer pin movement on transport stand and chopsticks very clearly visible on NSF footage; chopsticks lowered; Booster QD opened and attached to B7, Ship QD arm extended towards B7 Raptor engine under OLM/B7 unwrapped, lifted for installation on B7 QD arm moved away from B7 Raptor engine returned to production sit S24 moved between chopsticks for lifting |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[56] |
| 09.10.2022 | S26 nosecone moved from High bay to mid bay [vid 10]
Raptor work platform lowered under OLM Raptor moved under OLM on old work platoform |
LabPadre | |
| 08.10.2022 | Mc Gregor this week: Potential lunar starhip thruster fired; Raptor 2 horizontal test fire; Several Raptor 2 tests on vertical stand; Tests on raptor tripod stand NSF
S24 TPS tiles replaced and repaired [vid 10] S25 payload bay door tested, opened and closed 6 times over about an hour [vid 10] |
NSF | |
| 07.10.2022 | Two Raptor engines delivered to launch site [Epic Spaceflight Hoop cam]
Chopsticks rotated and raised ahead of B7 arrival B7 rolled out to pad, between Chopsticks; chopsticks closed and lifting points latched into position; view on upgrades on engine shielding pic Starship Gazer; 20 covers still missing, indicating that OLM work hasn't finished yet; installation expected after 33 engine SF MSIB issued for October 10–14 Industrial mobile generator delivered to launch site Ship QD arm QD plate extended and retracted as a test! Road closed between 11:44 and 13:00; B7 lift aborted OLS tank farm: several methane pumps waiting for installation Zack Golden Cape: LC-39A: Huge hexagonal deluge system that was spotted earlier was lifted by LR11350 over the OLM and lowered around it SpaceflightNow, Zack Golden, incl animation] |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[57] |
| 06.10.2022 | [NSF recap video:
S25 has been workded on in high bay; hexagonal antenna tiles have been installed Several flat domes in front of tents Ground work behind mega bay continued, new brown columns lifted at the exterior of the bay, new building? Ship aft skirt on structural test stand including cap, ropes being connected OLM work continued the whole week; seemed to slowly wrap up Ship QD arm worked on; also on QD plate OLS tank farm: several deliveries of CH4 S24 TPS tiles repair work] B7 moved inside mega bay [vid 07] |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[58] |
| 05.10.2022 | S28 nosecone TPS tile installation spotted in tent 3; meaning after tile-less S26 and S27, they are installing TPS tiles again on S28
Chopsticks swung away from OLM and lowered at 17:25-55 OLM balance device used Zack Golden OLM clamp retraction test at 23:25 video -Roberts Rd: --Starfactory: Foundation nearly complete, big parts of columns installed, roof and wall progress also significant—Hydraulic actuators spotted near chopsticks for installation; Retention pond next to it—Dams have been built to prevent damage from storm Ian—OLIT segments: New parts for OLIT #3 spotted, 6 pads already prepared with footings; 3 options for location: LC49 (no work yet, environmental review still pending), LZ 1 & 2 from SpaceX north of LC-36 (possibly as a dedicated catch tower), LC47 (between SpaceX LC-40 and ULA LC-37; not much known about) --Mega bay: foundations complete, lot of columns staged for stacking soon—Car park north of Hangar X paved -Hangar M: OLM #3 segments spotted; OLM #2 construction inside -LC-39A: --OLIT has been fully stacked—White horizontal Propellant tank installed next to the big concrete tank (which according to NSF is for LOX; others say for water) --Hexagonal structure complete with parts sticking up, likely for water deluge on OLM, as it fits a hexagonal cut out around the OLM legs—Retention pond being worked on right next to OLM—Piping between methane site and tower looks more complete—Red truss sections spotted next to LR11350 and tents, likely for chopstick assembly just as at Starbase |
LabPadre | |
| 04.10.2022 | S26 nosecone lifted onto its barrel section on the turntable in high bay
Cape / Jessie Anderson: "We are building here at HLC-39A the launch pad for Starship, the same Pad that will see the first Test flight of the Starship Lunar Lander for NASA's Artemis Program." [Crew5 launch stream] |
LabPadre | |
| 03.10.2022 | S24 attached to LR11000X via ship load spreader (Squid) | LabPadre | |
| 02.10.2022 | BQD on OLM finally retracted after being open since September 22 for testing and shielding installation
Cape: Air Force Station: At least 9 columns for a third OLM have been spotted at Hangar M Harry Stranger |
LabPadre | |
| 01.10.2022 | S26 nosecone moved back into high bay
OLM: Pneumatic valves added to the pre-press mainfold (three lower LOX prepress pipes) Zack Golden Rocket garden: Concrete base for new display stand under construction RGV] Animation explaining possible Starlink load ChameleonCircuit Houston Texas: Column for potential future OLIT [#3] at the cape spotted on a highway [Reddit SpaceXLounge] |
LabPadre |
September 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.09.2022 | S24 disconnected from pad QD, lifted off SoLS pad B by LR11000X onto transport stand; later unhooked from lifting squid and moved towards OLM by two SPMTs; several missing tiles spotted; parked at the OLS cryo station [QD pannel missing]
OLM work continued S26 New design for FTS enclosures spotted The Ring Watchers] Massey's gun range: EDOME test tank cryo proof tested; popped; first test at this site RGV |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[59] |
| 29.09.2022 | B8 fwd section still without grid fins [vid 30]
OLM work continued [vid 30] SPMT with ballast moved to launch site [vid 30] |
LabPadre | |
| 28.09.2022 | OLM extensive upgrading work continued [vid 30]
S26 payload bay section moved onto robotic welding station in high bay [vid 30]; no pez dispenser installed or a door cut out S26 nosecone moved into high bay (again), moved back out of high bay again B9 LOX tank stacked onto thrust section, now 24/24 rings tall Kevin Randolph, WAI McGregor: Raptor 2 rapid relight test on tripod stand; 8 seconds in between, second burn for about 5 seconds NSF] |
LabPadre | |
| 27.09.2022 | S24 has been connected to LR11000X
S26 nosecone moved to high bay New nosecone exited tent 3 B9 spotted in mega bay, it appears to be the first booster to use electric TVC (thrust vector control) as no hydraulic power units have been installed Can crusher top placed on top of the ship aft test article Randolph |
NSF
Nic Nomadd LabPadre |
[60] |
| 26.09.2022 | B7 hooked up to both bridge cranes in mega bay at around 1 am
B9 thrust sectin moved into mega bay early morning OLM work continued extensively; covers were installed at the hold down clamp openings (blast shielding to protect the interior) [vid 27] Ship aft test article moved from dome yard to Sanchez site/PPS; lifted onto the can crusher/structural test stand at PPS/Sanchez site Kevin Randolph, WAI S24 scaffolding removed late niht |
LabPadre | |
| 25.09.2022 | LabPadre | ||
| 24.09.2022 | Massey's Gun range: Horizontal storage tanks and fill lines have been recently installed; possible engine and test tank test site RGV | LabPadre | |
| 23.09.2022 | OLM work platform lifted at 17:40
S24 PEZ dispenser permanently closed with new cover welded on to it Starship Gazer] OLS tank farm CH5 and LOX pump swapping out continued Zack Golden OLS tank farm LN2 delivery [vid 27] Extensive OLM work [vid 27] |
LabPadre | |
| 22.09.2022 | OLM nitrogen purge test at 08:30
OLM fire suppression/deluge test with LN2 and water at 08:43 OLM booster QD opened; OLM Nitrogen Firex and detonation suppression walves and two of the QD walves (CH4 prepress and GOX fill/drain [possibly also using just LN2]); stystem tested extensivelsy Chopsticks lowered B7.1 and EDOME test tanks have entered hwy 4, headed towards Massey's gun range site Chopsticks lowered at 11:25 S26 nosecone left ring yard for second time OLM work platform lifted at around 17:40 OLS tank farm: Cryo pump removed at CH4 side [vid 27] [date?] McGregor: Raptor engine tested on vertical test stand, which has two testing bays, allowing for rapid swap and testing schedule NSF] |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[61] |
| 21.09.2022 | Payload door cover delivered to S24
S24 payload bay door cover lifted and installed B7/OLM QD retracted S27 starlink dispenser installed in payload bay section S26 nosecone and barrel section outside tents Ship flap with tiles (already installed on delivery) spotted Production site building expansion worked on B7 transport stand pins raised again, chopstick stabilizer arms engaged, B7 lifted off OLM onto transport stand B7 transported back to production site, into mega bay for upgrades B9 downcomer moved into mega bay for installation S27 payload section moved into tent 3 S25 second aft flap lifted into high bay for installation OLM: Nitrogen LN2 nozzles have been removed, likely to protect them from contaminated water during upcoming first test of the newly installed water deluge system Zack Golden OLM fire suppression tests at 20:15 and 21:04; started with the original spyral nozzles, followed by the new system slowly ramping up the flow; name "Firex and Detonation Suppression" according to control panel for the water walves that has been installed in early September - so it's not a deluge system Zack Golden] Cape: Drawworks for chopsticks prepared for installation on pad LC-39A after it was removed from Deimos Zack Golden, FarryFaz] Elon Musk: First booster at 39A "Probably Q2 next year, with vehicles initially transferred by boat from Port of Brownsville to the Cape" |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[62] |
| 20.09.2022 | B7 raptor engines SN49 (boost), SN82 (center) removed; later moved to build site
B7 Raptor boost engine SN82 lifted under OLM for installation Chopsticks lifted and connected to B7 [vid 21] Transport stand lifting pins raised; chopsticks lifted; B7 lift aborted [vid 21] S25 first aft flap lifted into high bay for installation |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[63] |
| 19.09.2022 | Chopsticks raised ahead of B7 testing [vid 20]
B7 spin prim and static fire tested with seven engines; additionally, the grid fins moved ahead of the test; some damage to the OLM legs (paint?) Chopsticks lowered [vid 20] Nosecone (S27?) rolled out of tent 3 [date? vid 20] B8 rolled out to the launch site (grid fins and engines not yet installed) [vid 20] S24, still connected to LR11000X, worked on [vid 20] New OLIT blinking warn-lights spotted [vid 20] Transport stand moved to launch site (possibly for B7 roll back) [vid 20] S25 lifted and moved in high bay [vid 20] Cape: New tanks delivered to LC-39A Rev Hawx |
NSF | [64] |
| 18.09.2022 | S26 nosecone moved in front of high bay again | LabPadre | |
| 17.09.2022 | Chopsticks lowered
B9 LOX tank stacked onto another quad section, now 20/24 rings tall |
LabPadre | |
| 16.09.2022 | Water truck sprayed water around the OLM [?] [vid 20]
B7.1 moved back to the production site [vid 20] B7 spin prime tested (seven engines) Chopsticks raised at 18:50 Cape: OLIT at LC-39A now complete with last segment stacked and installed this morning [Spaceflight Now] |
||
| 15.09.2022 | S24 temporary work platform installed below payload door
S25 spun in high bay (twice) Crews worked on a tracking station on mid bay B9 CH4 tank spotted in mega bay S26 nosecone outside high bay (no tiles); later moved back to the windbreak again and connected to load spreader; lifted into windbreak |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[65] |
| 14.09.2022 | Cape: Booster QD hood delivered to LC-39A, also brackets for OLM skirt welded onto the legs [Aaron Jones, Zack Golden]
First barrel section spotted in the new starfactory, possibly a ship payload bay Ring Watchers S26 nosecone [old S27 nosecone] spotted in front of tents, moved later to the other side of the bay/tent area [vid 15] OLS tank farm consumables delivered [vid 15] Roof worked on at production site [vid 15] Raptor van departed, grid fin moved at productin site [vid 15] Metal pieces lowered from OLM, work platform lowered and moved [vid 15] B9 LOX tank section lifted and stacked on a quad; now 16/23 rings tall [vid 15] S25 welding work continued in high bay; weld inspected by crews [vid 15] Ship QD arm tested |
LabPadre | |
| 13.09.2022 | Raptor work platform raised at 01:58 under OLM/B7
S24 worked on, unclear why it was attached to LR11000X B8 with chines installed in mega bay Starfactory worked on inside; this part of the building looks finished OLM work continued, especially on water pipe installation for deluge system OLS tank farm LN2 delivered McGregor: Raptor Blast Shield tested on tripod stand to destruction after being spotted on the horizontal test stand; used to protect other engines from shrapnel if one fails in flight NSF Cape: Transport stands to be delivered to roberts road from Port Canaveral Greg Scott] |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[66] |
| 12.09.2022 | Raptor work platform lowered under B7/OLM [vid 13]
S25 tank section lifted onto welding turntable ahead of stacking [vid 13] Structural test stand moved back to production site on 2 SPMTs [vid 13] Starfactory: wall paneling soon finished [vid 13] Chopsticks raised ahead of B7 testing [vid 13] B7 spin prime tested, possibly all 33 engines (unconfirmed) [vid 13] S25 nosecone finally lifted and stacked on tank section [vid 13] Cape: OLIT segment 8b attached to LR11350 [Spaceflight Now] |
LabPadre | |
| 11.09.2022 | Cape: OLIT segment 8b rolled out from Roberts road facility to pad LC-39A
Two SPMTs moved to launch site -Roberts road: --Starfactory progressed: roof on northern part as well as north wall panels installed; wall and roof framings installed further south—Mega bay: Concrete foundation complete, many columns ready for lifting, LR11000X2 and another smaller crane ready for lifting; concrete square foundations ready for prefabricate building segments—Chopsticks rails installed (the chopsticks are smaller than in boca chica); hydraulic accumulator installed on carriage system—OLIT segment 8b/9 looks finished, pulley installed, SPMTs under it for roll out [rolled out this night] -LC-39A: --OLIT now 8 segments tall (only final segment missing) --Cryogenig tank construction continued—Methane site to the north: Sphere now fully painted white, new tank being constructed, possibly for methane; new transfer lines connect the methane site to OLIT—New subcoolers spotted next to the horizontal tanks that were installed next to the OLIT, and a bit north, a possible GSE bunker is being built—Hexagonal structure to the south has pipes installed |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 10.09.2022 | LR11000X moved towards S24; lifting squid moved to launch site; attached to S24 at 11:21
Another work platform moved into mega bay, lifted and installed Cape: OLIT segment 8a lifted and stacked at LC-39A |
LabPadre | |
| 09.09.2022 | B7.1 structural test stand cap removed, moved to production site by an SPMT; later loadspreader and LR11000X connected to B7.1, lifted off structural test stand
OLM work continued, more pipes added Raptor maintenance platform under OLM/B7 B7 inspected at the top of fwd dome Chopsticks: shift lifting pins currently deployed Burned land after S24 static fire from yesterday MSIB posted for testing on September 12 and 14 |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[67] |
| 08.09.2022 | Booster aerocover delivered
Walkway sections, likely for mega bay, moved Raptor engine spotted near tent 1 Booster aft dome and EDOME spotted around tent area Ship common dome section (sleeved) moved Chopsticks raised ahead of testing B7 spin prime test of multiple engines S24 six engine static fire for about 6 seconds NSF video; grass fire developed afterwards; several tiles lost Chopsticks lowered after testing After road opened late night, fire fighters moved in to control the fire; controlled burns were started; fire ended not before the next morning |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[68] |
| 07.09.2022 | OLM work continued with a lot of man lifts; new plumbing installed again
Ship QD arm and QD worked on S24 inspected and worked on through access hole at fwd dome B7.1 structural test stand cap ropes disconnected from stand B8 work continued in mega bay S25 nosecone hooked to high bay bridge crane Raptor truck left starbase NASA HLS update Overpressure notice issued to residents for testing tomorrow Raptor work platform lowered from OLM/B7 at 20:13 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[69] |
| 06.09.2022 | B10? cmn dome section spotted, filepped; likely new EDOME used (elliptical dome)
S26 nosecone in tent 3 TPS tile completely uninstalled B8 worked on in mega bay Mega bay top work continued, wall soon to be finished Two large horizontal LN2 tanks moved from Stabase to Massey's Gun Range, speculations that SpaceX is planning to build a new Raptor engine testing facility there B7.1 cryo proof tested McGregor: Raptor 2 engine tested to failure on horizontal stand and tripod stand NSF |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[70] |
| 05.09.2022 | narrated update video | NSF
LabPadre |
|
| 04.09.2022 | Cape/Brownsville: Tug and barge from port Canaveral arrived at Brownsville to load 4 unknown tanks. Same barge previously delivered tanks to LC-39A | LabPadre | |
| 03.09.2022 | B9 LOX tank stacked on another quad section (now 12 of 23 rings tall)
S24 Raptor vacuum engine RV SN115 lifted and installed after being delivered to launch site |
LabPadre | |
| 02.09.2022 | B7 New raptor engine delivered at 01:31 am, installed; raptor platform lowered at 5:22 am
Raptor platform raised under OLM/B7 Cape: LR11350 raised after reconfigured to lift the 2 final OLIT tower segments [Spaceflight Now] Raptor vacuum engine RV SN65 removed from S24, transported back to production site Marine Safety Information Bulletin MISB posted from September 6–9 for testing McGregor: Two Raptor 2 engine tested to failur on horizontal test stand and tripod stand NSF McGregor: Raptor 2 preburner test on vertical test stand [NSF] |
LabPadre | |
| 01.09.2022 | Overpressure notice issued to residents for testing
B7.1 test tank cryo tested S24 fwd flaps moved at 11:00 am B7 one raptor engine removed (engine that wasn't tested yesterday) McGregor: Raptor 2 test on vertical test stand [NSF] |
NSF
LabPadre |
August 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.08.2022 | Cape: 8th segment for OLIT moved to LC-39A
Raptor maintenance platform lowered from B7 and moved to the landing pad area B7 static fire test with multiple engines for the first time on OLM for 5–6 seconds; possibly 3 engines intended and 1-2 aborted S24 cryo tested on Pad B; possibly aborted static fire test B8 smaller chines added at 9:49 in mega bay McGregor: Raptor 2 test to failure on tripod stand NSF] McGregor: Raptor 2 test on vertical test stand [NSF] |
NSF
LabPadre |
[71] |
| 30.08.2022 | Overpressure notice issued to residents for testing today
Raptor work platform lifted under B7/OLM Overpressure notice issued to residents for testing on August 31 |
LabPadre | |
| 29.08.2022 | B7.1 lifted onto can crusher test stand at around 3:30 am
S25 nosecone and payload bay section being stacked on fwd dome section at around 4 am Raptor work platform lowered under B7/OLM at around 6 am LR11000X disconnected from S24 B7.1: Can crusher cap lifted onto test tank, ropes/straps lowered and attached to the base Chopsticks raised above B7 B7 cryo testing; no static fire test despite overpressure notice |
LabPadre | |
| 28.08.2022 | Can crusher attached to a new hydraulic gantry, lifted onto an SPMT, moved towards B7.1
Overpressure notice issued to residents for testing on August 29 Elon Musk: OLM is now responsible for starting all 33 engines via QD instead of COPVs. Also they are working to "achieve robust engine containment in case of RUD to protect booster, other engines & launch ring", likely referring to the new engine chill line Cape: LR11350 lowered for reconfiguration ahead of stacking the top segments Cape: Another large diameter outer ring section stacked on the large new tank at LC-39A |
LabPadre | |
| 27.08.2022 | Second raptor work platform moved into the left side of mega bay
Hydraulic gantry that begun assembly yesterday has this morning been brought down without moving the can crusher [for B7.1 testing] |
LabPadre | |
| 26.08.2022 | Raptor work platform lifted under OLM/B7
Chopsticks lowered to the bottom at arount 1 am LR11000X moved to S24 at Pad B; picked up the ship loadspreader and attached to S24 (likely to support structure during depressed work inside) OLM work continued after yesterdays testing; raptor work platform has been raised under B7 S25 tank section and nosecone worked on in high bay B9 first LOX tank section moved to mega bay, cmn dome attached to bridge crane for stacking with it Mega bay top level work continued; more wall pannels have been added MiG-17 flyover by Jared Isaacman and Polaris team Gantry crane assembled over structural test stand at OLS B7.1 test stand moved at launch site; hydraulic gantry installed to lift can crusher [for B7.1 testing] S24 LOX hatch opened at 16:25 Cape: New ring section lifted onto the very large new tank at LC-39A; LR11350 stacked 7th OLIT section [spaceflight now] |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[72] |
| 25.08.2022 | Chopsticks detached from B7, opened and raised; damaged scaffolding on OLIT during lift
USAF F-22 Raptor demonstration team flew over Starbase B8 worked on in mega bay S25 fwd dome section moved into high bay, lifted onto the turntable in high bay at 13:55 B7 spin prime tested twice on OLM with likely 3 engines S24 spin prime tested on Pad B B7.1 rolled back to the launch site, new top vent valves have been installed SpaceX: T-Mobile partnership announcement at an event at the rocket garden B9 CH4 section lifted onto a new stand at 18:40; cmn dome wheeled in front of Mega Bay B2.1 test tank cut in half Marine safety information bulletin MISB posted for August 29-September 1 for testing |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[73] |
| 24.08.2022 | OLM raptor platform lifted under OLM/B7; lowered again
OLM pad area cleared of any debris ahead of B7 testing OLS GSE vented SoLS pad A, part lifted onto SPMT EDOME test tank moved back to rocket garden without being tested S26 payload section outside tents S25 fwd dome section fully tiled still waiting for stacking SN16 scrap section spotted Starfactory more wall pannels being added B9 LOX tank segment spotted outside mega bay B7 ignitor test S24 cryo tested; pad B deluge tested (possibly spin prime abort); S24 ignitor tests Overpressure notice issued to residents for testing on August 25 Mega bay: first walkway installed on the back wall, following the installation of the first work platform McGregor: Raptor engine SN144 tested to destruction at McGregor tripod stand NSF Hawthorne HQ: "SpaceX is testing their HLS Starship elevator design. [...] Google Earth and satellite imagery show that SpaceX has created a mock set-up that resembles the 9 metre Starship to test their astronaut lunar elevator" Toby Li |
NSF
Mary LabPadre Toby Li |
[74] |
| 23.08.2022 | B7 disconnected from bridge crane; Ship QD arm retracted on OLIT; Chopsticks raised ahead of B7 stacking; booster QD lines purged
First raptor work platform moved into mega bay at 15:36 B7 rolled back to the OLS with all 33 engines installed, much of the engine covers is still missing and will need to be added ahead of a flight test (Raptor engines SN70, SN49, SN84, SN51, SN44, SN63 identified); rolled to the OLS and between the chopsticks arm S25 nosecone has been disconnected from high bay bridge crane, work continued B8 spotted in mega bay Starfactory work continued; more wall pannels added Grove crane moved S24 work continued OLM booster QD is open B7 and OLM prepared for lifting; connected to chopsticks and lifted slightly; stabilizers attached, guide pins on stand retracted; lifted, rotated and lowered onto OLM OLM booster QD attached to B7 at 22:48, raptor service platform raised under OLM [vid 23] Hawthorne HQ: New details released of the HLS Starship crew elevator development. NASA HLS Program Manager, Lisa Watson-Morgan spoke today on its progress: NASA is working hand in hand with SpaceX. The elevator is redundant and multi-fault tolerant. Currently testing with crew. Toby Li] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre Toby Li |
[75] |
| 22.08.2022 | S24 aft section work continued
OLM work continued OLS earth work to the east of the pad SoLS earth work near Pad B New OLM shielding spotted at launch site SoLS Pad A worked on, refitting it for cryo tests B7 in mega bay; inner engines now installed; work continued S26 quad section spotted outside tent S25 nosecone in high bay worked on Chopsticks rotated forth and back Elon Musk: Starship to orbit is a main goal for this year |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre Elon Musk |
[76] |
| 21.08.2022 | [no NSF video]
Cape: Roberts Road: New LR11000 crane raised; Pad LC-39A: Segment 7 for OLIT attached to loadspreader and LR11350 |
LabPadre | |
| 20.08.2022 | [no NSF video]
Marine Safety Information Bulletin MISB issued for testing from August 22–25 |
LabPadre | |
| 19.08.2022 | Blue origin's ship jacklyn arrived in Brownsville for scrapping
Ballast remvoed from an SPMT at production site Starfactory work continued, especially on roof; west wall pannels beginning to be added Chine segments for future boosters spotted at production site Booster common dome sleeved [B10?] Unknown jig moved out of tent B7 worked on in mega bay, workers near grid fins OLM booster QD open Chopsticks work continued; tested (raised and lowered again, horizontal movement tests) |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[77] |
| 18.08.2022 | OLIT welding work
S25 nosecone section lifted in high bay and stacked onto payload section S24 aft section worked on; QD and through hatch Mega bay rooftop work continued B7 worked on in mega bay OLM work continued, new plumbing has been added [add: for engine chill vent collection] Chopsticks: cylindrical actuator for moving up the track worked on Launch site main gate entrance worked on Both new and old Rapotor work platform moved to SoLS Pad A Elliptical dome test tank at launch site chopsticks raised, rotated slightly and lowered againg Starfactory roof construction work continued, pannels added; some tooling already moved into ist Telehandler delivered SKY perfect JSAT has selected Starship for launch of the Superbird-9 communication satellite in 2024 to geostationary transfer orbit Cape: Starfactory roof and wall sections being added, top OLIT section nearly complete, high bay foundations completed; tracks for a new Starship transporter spotted Greg Scott |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[78] |
| 17.08.2022 | OLM and Chopsticks work continued; engine chill vent line installation continued
Launch site main gate entrance work continued Raptor bell SN22 spotted at launch site S25 aft (LOX) tank work continued as well as on nosecone which is still connected to high bay bridge crane; nosecone section lifted onto turntable to make way for stacking onto fwd dome section; CH4 transfer tube for the header tank moved into high bay for installation Kevin Randolph B7 and B8 (hidden) in mega bay, worked on Starfactory work continued, stair assembly next to it Nosecone lifting jig form S25 spotted Gaseous nitrogen trailer moved Raptor SN37 test fires at McGregor NSF |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[79] |
| 16.08.2022 | SoLS west side earth work continued
OLM new plumbing lifted and installed [add: new engine chill vent line] LN2 delivered to OLS tank farm OLIT work on several segments Launch site main gate: road work continued Chopsticks catch actuators spotted at launch site; chopsticks work continued; catch actuators installed later OLS tank farm: New cryo pump installed at CH4 subcooler site; electric cryo pump motors spotted and installed LR11000X moved from OLS to SoLS Ship QD arm moved B10 fwd dome sleeved on sleeving stand S26 payload bay section spotted B7 work in mega bay continued Starfactory work continued; western wall work began and roof work continued S26? nosecone: TPS tiles seem to get uninstalled! The Ring Watchers Cape: OLIT segment 7 rolled out to LC-39A [Spaceflight Now]; parts of a new LR11000 for roberts road spotted on a highway in Florida Justin |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre The ring watchers |
[80] |
| 15.08.2022 | S25 nosecone and tank sections worked on in high bay; welding work as noseceon is still connected to bridge crane
B7 spotted in mega bay, where it is getting its 13 inner engines installed for further testing; engines worked on (literally) Booster fwd dome sleeve moved out of tent toward sleeving stand; attached to crane Ship flap mounts spotted Starfactory work continued, especially on roof Raptor gimbal hardware delivered "These are single cardan joints that go on Raptor Center engines, allowing them to gimble" Nosecone worked on in tent 3 with TPS tiles being added [possibly S26] Chopsticks: catch hardware added, a silver actuator that moves the track upwards before a catch happens S24 engine section worked on a lot OLM work continued after B7 left SoLS: ground work to the west continued Cape: LR11350 raised after reconfigurations [SFN Stream] |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[81] |
| 14.08.2022 | S25 nosecone stacked in high bay onto the payload section [vid 15] | LabPadre | |
| 13.08.2022 | S25 nosecone moved into high bay for stacking at 2:54 am
Chopsticks moved for the first time at 12:45 after the hydraulic failure [vid 15] |
LabPadre | |
| 12.08.2022 | Multiple Raptor engines were moved into the mega bay for installation on B7: SN83, SN99, SN26, SN102, SN104, SN72, 5 not identified
B7 connected to LR11000X via load spreader; booster Qd retracted; booster trasport stand moved into place; ship QD arm retracted; B7 lifted and placed onto transport stand (engines spotted: SN41, SN53, SN86, SN34, SN85, SN39, SN47, SN44, SN51, SN84, SN49, SN70, SN28, SN42, SN21) S25 methane transfer tube installed to tank LOX section in mid bay S25 nosecone lifted out of windbreak, placed onto a new transport stand; payload bay section moved into high bay at 9:20 am for stacking B7 rolled back to the production site, rolled into mega bay S28 smooth fwd dome spotted in the dome yard RGV Elon Musk: video of inner engine installation Elon Musk New MISB posted for testing from August 15–18 Cape: LR11350 lowered for reconfigurations [Spaceflight Now] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre RGV |
[82] |
| 11.08.2022 | Raptor work platform lowered back down under OLM/B7 at 06:55 [vid 12]
B7 preparation work for more testing [vid 12] SoLS concrete work [vid 12] S25: both aft flap jigs moved from mid bay into high bay for installation at 10:23 and 13:06 B7 long duration static fire with a single engine (likely same engine as on August 9), testing autogenous pressurization; 20 seconds long video [vid 12] SPMTs moved to launch site to for B7 transport [vid 12] LR11000X moved towards OLM/B7 [vid 12] -Roberts Road: --OLIT: Segment 6 prepared for roll out [see yesterday]; segment 9 or 8b construction has began; segment 7 is prepared for roll out, segment 8a will soon be ready as well; cryo pipe assemby tents moved closer to the building area, coils of wire spotted near them—Chopsticks laid on their sides, possibly for installation of rail segments (interface with booster and ship lifting point); grabbing parts that hold on to the OLIT columns spotted next to carriage system—Ship QD arm work potentially finished as scaffolding removed—Concrete foundation work for mega bay soon finished; makeshift ramp installed—Starfactory work continued at a fast pace, slowly growing towards the south, more concrete floor being poured -Pad LC-39A: --OLIT: segment 5 (QD arm segment) lifted yesterday—Tank nearby is being constructed on the stand; double shelled design speaks for a cryogenic tank; the two white horizontal tanks have been installed nearby—Hydrogene Sphere work continued (future methane tank) |
LabPadre
NSF |
|
| 10.08.2022 | B8 seen in mega bay
S25 nosecone worked on; nosecone barrel/payload section seen B7.1 test tank worked on via work platform/scaffolding in mid bay S25? methane transfer tube spotted Starfactory work continued Elliptical dome moved, the first common dome with this new design S25 tank section worked on in high bay; removed from turntable ahead of transfer tube installation; transfer tube spotted outside high bay Chopsticks: chain between the arms removed at 14:45-15:00 OLS tank farm: one of the methan pump motors has been removed Raptor work platform raised under B7/OLM Chopsticks work continued; likely to repair the damage SoLS earth work in the very west Overpressure notice issued to residents for testing on 11 August Cape: Segment 6 of OLIT stacked by LR11350 at LC-39A |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[83] |
| 09.08.2022 | Cape: OLIT segment 6 rolled out to LC-39A [Spaceflight Now]
Can crusher cap's tank connected to LR11000, removed at 08:12 S24 work on engine section SPMT moved to production site Starfactroy work continued B7 static fire on OLM with a single engine for about 3 seconds; a first for both B7 and the OLM video S24 static fire on SoLS Pad B with two engines for about 3 seconds video Jarrod McLachlan announced that they are working on rideshare configurations for Starship, but nothing there was nothing concrete to announce to date Jeff Foust |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[84] |
| 08.08.2022 | LR11000X moved away from OLS to SoLS after having lifted B7
S25 tank section spotted in high bay; section welded; S25 fwd dome section spotted outside tents Ground work at the production site S25 nosecone barrel section moved by a crane from low bay to front tent 3 Starfactory work continued; new columns and roof beams added; all 3 bridge cranes appear to be installed Booster aft section spotted in front of tent 2 Mega bay work at the top continued Ship transfer tube for S27 spotted (wrapped up), left tent area OLM and B7 worked on heavily Raptor work platform removed from the OLM S24 spin prime tested twice Chopsticks raised during S24 test B7 spin prime tested twice with one engine (twice the same engine) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[85] |
| 07.08.2022 | Ship transport stand moved into high bay
MISB posted for testing form August 8–11 |
LabPadre | |
| 06.08.2022 | Chopsticks lowered
B7 connected to LR11000X via load spreader [vid 08] Booster QD retracted (hood closed) [vid 08] B7 lifted onto OLM by LR11000X as chopsticks were broken [vid 08] New picture of Phobos and Deimos by SpacejunkieH] |
LabPadre | |
| 05.08.2022 | Four raptor engines delivered: SN108, SN80, SN81, SN66; later some lifted into mega bay
S26 common dome section flipped; after being sleeved on sleeving stand SPMT moved into mega bay to move B8 away from the entrance S26 fwd dome sleeve moved S28 aft dome section flipped OLM and chopsticks work continued S24 aft flap inspected Starfactory construction work continued Earth wall spotted at the launch site B7 moved in mega bay S25 part lifted in high bay 1, likely for stacking B7 rolled out to launch site; outer engines installed; arrived at 00:16 on 6 August Chopsticks broke and leaked hydraulic fluid at 12:34 am; object was spotted falling down and bouncing off the booster QD hood; possibly part of recently installed actuators failed; drone inspected the chopsticks [6 August] B7 moved away from the orbital launch site as a lift with chopsticks wasn't possible anymore [6 August] S25 stack (cmn and midlox) stacked onto thrust section at 20:32 |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[86] |
| 04.08.2022 | OLM worked on a lot
OLS berm concrete pouring work continued B10 aft section flipped in front of tents Ship/booster? methane transfer tube delivered S25 aft section rolled out of tent 3 to the high bay, fully covered with TPS tiles Chopsticks welding work continued S24 engine section worked on, TPS tiles inspected SN16 scrapped section spotted SoLS pad B (S24) water deluge tested at 18:49 Cape: Huge tank (water?) construction began at LC-39A with first large ring segment lifted [Spaceflight Now] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[87] |
| 03.08.2022 | B7 and B8 spotted in mega bay [vid 04]
B10 aft section (now sleeved) and a ship fwd dome spotted outside tent; aft section attached to crane [vid 04] Starfactory work continued, also on the roof [vid 04] OLM work continued, a work platform spotted below the mount [the same as raptor platform; vid 04] SN16 aft flap left Starbase [Kevin Randolph WAI] S26 payload bay TPS tiles work started in tent [Kevin Randolph WAI] |
LabPadre | [88] |
| 02.08.2022 | QD arm: Ship QD umbilical worked on
OLM work continued Chopsticks welding work; moved at 16:00, first time the right arm moved since the actuator swap Object lifted near structural test stand "can crusher" (likely a QD-pipes holder) Crane mats delivered to launch site B7 spotted in mega bay Mega bay: top levels covered in scaffolding as work continued Nosecone spotted in tent 3 with TPS tiles being installed [add: likely S26] Tent next to mega bay continued to be dismantled Starfactory work continued Starlink loader moved out of starlink building/payload building; potentially starlink satellites Block 2.0 left starbase Booster load spreader moved to launch site Musk: "A successful orbital flight is probably between 1 and 12 months from now" |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[89] |
| 01.08.2022 | S24 aft section work continued, aft hatch open
Damageed engine shrouds from B7 spotted at launch site Old raptor platform spotted GSE hoses lifted onto flatbed B5 aft section finally lifted off transport mount, scrapping continued Starfactory construction work continued; parts of the bridge crane have already been installed B8 worked on in mega bay, B7 isn't visible in mega bay Tent next to mega bay being dismantled B7.1 test tank worked on in mid bay Propellant production plant worked on GSE hoses lowered next to S22 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[90] |
July 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.07.2022 | [no NSF video] | ||
| 30.07.2022 | Scrapped booster engine shrouds spotted
S24 work on engine section continued Chopsticks work continued OLM work continued, pipes worked on; new maintenance platform was installed S27 methane sump and transfer tube spotted at production side B8 moved within mega bay, likely making way for B9 stacking Stair segments spotted outside production site Starfactory work continued Starlink loader building painted |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[91] |
| 29.07.2022 | SPMT moved to launch site at 00:16
Cape: OLIT section 5 stacked by LR11350 and being secured at LC-39A Chines delivered for boosters B7.1 attached to LR11000X via loadspreader; lifted onto a transport stand, rolled back to production site and later into mid bay SPMT moved to launch site, new raptor platform moved under OLM; later extended and raised B9 last CH4 section moved into mega bay OLM work continued Chopsticks work continued Raptor engines SN50, SN109, SN116, SN120 delivered LNG purification stack near Stafactory prepared for shipment; secured on a truck, transported away Stafactory work continued B5 aft section spotted B9 fwd sections moved within the mega bay; For the first time, there was a dual lift, featuring B9 CH4 tank and final quad stack; lifted to the welding turntable to complete stacking of the upper 13 rings Grid fin loaded for shipping Last vertical tank/absorption column left Starbase, heading to McGregor |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[92] |
| 28.07.2022 | B5 all grid fins removed from fwd dome section
OLM venting in the night; construction continued Chopsticks work continued S24 work near the aft section continued B7.1 test tank valves worked on Bridge crane parts delivered to Starfactory (main girders and walkway; 2 20 ton bridge cranse) Starlink building being painted white S25 nosecone worked on near flap S22 maintenance? work inside S24 fwd and aft flaps extended Booster thrust plate delivered Cape: LR11350 connected to OLIT segment 5 prior to stacking at LC-39A |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[93] |
| 27.07.2022 | Pad closed after PA at 04:12 "to stop the work" for unknown reason
Chopsticks: vertical dampeners to absorb the shock during catching installed Starship Gazer] B9 CH4 section moved into mega bay, stacked on a triple section in mega bay; now 9/13 rings tall QD arm worked on B7.1 prepared for testing on structural test stand; work on vent valves on the top B7.1 cryo tested via OLS tank farm Raptor engines moved around at production site; SN100, SN43 identified incoming SoLS pad A booster adapteo used for BN3 testing disassembled at production site Starfactory work continued MSIB posted for testing from August 1–4 Cape: OLIT segment 5 rolled out to LC-39A |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[94] |
| 26.07.2022 | Ship transport stand parts delivered
OLM worked on B7.1 test tank: valve assembly has been added; tape spotted on a weld LR11000X moved towards SoLS B9 CH4 section not stacked on the triple ring section, but rolled back out in front of mega bay, still 6 rings tall -Roberts rd: --Starship factory: Roof sections spotted previously now installed, building starting to rise, slight tilt to the north (south side taller), concrete foundations continued to be poured, some flooring already being installed; in the south more insulation work of power lines and fluid conduits—Chopsticks: both arms have shoulders installed; noticeably shorter than in Boca Chica—Ship QD, extra structure for umbilical spotted—OLIT sections: Fourth OLIT section moved to Pad 39A; Fifth OLIT section (QD-section) prepared to roll out, pair of SPMTs ready; 8th section under construction (shorter section), one roof level already installed; short columns and cross beams, likely for 9th segment spotted nearby—Mega bay concrete foundation work continued -LC-39A: --OLIT: tower has grown, OLIT is now 4 segments tall; some scaffolding removed between first and second segment; concrete work seems more or less finished at the base—Giant tank on the west: More rings have been delivered; the mystery structure looks like a base for this tank; purpose still unknown—Nearby, two concrete stands for two horizontal tanks have been spotted; the tanks have been spotted arriving on a barge—Berm construction started to the north of the OLIT area, likely separating it from and protecting the methane tank area—Methane tank farm area: Some clearing and ground work spotted north of the old hydrogen sphere; additional horizontal tanks and subcoolers seen south of it -LC49: --No work seen as approval work ongoing |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[95] |
| 25.07.2022 | OLS tank farm: another pump was removed in the night
Raptor engines (SN29, SN68, SN36 identified, fourth one not clear) loaded onto truck; likely from B7 Ship fwd dome worked on near tents Starfactory construction work continued Mega bay (high bay 2) concrete work on top level Mysterious items delivered to production site (black structures with holes on each side) EDOME spotted at production site OLM and chopsticks work continued heavily OLS berm work continued with concrete being poured OLS tank farm LOX delivered LR11000X moved towards B7.1 test tank; ropes disconnected from bottom of test stand, structural test stand cap removed from B7.1 by LR11000X New MSIB posted for testing from July 25–28 |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[96] |
| 24.07.2022 | [no NSF vid]
Starlink loader box moved back into payload processing building Two SPMTs with counterweights exited mega bay |
||
| 23.07.2022 | OLS tank farm: pump removed during the night
Raptor boost engine moved from mega bay to tent 1 SoLS tank farm vented as consumables were delivered; earth work near it at the west side of the launch site OLM and chopsticks worked on heavily; new parts added to the carriage system near the OLIt rails OLIT worked on, scaffolding Pipies delivered to production site S24 engine section worked on S25 LOX tank spotted in mid bay, moved into high bay S26 mid LOX section spotted with TPS tiles installed but no flap installation points yet "Raptor 2 has swiched from hydraulic to electric thrust vector control actuators", tests with this new system might have started at McGregor tripod stand (NSF) Starlink loader box moved out of payload processing building Two SPMTs entered mega bay |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[97] |
| 22.07.2022 | Mega bay first glass panels lifted to the top
OLM reparation works ramp up; paint removed from the legs OLS tank farm berm continued to be covered by concrete [large parts have been done already] Chopsticks worked on S24 worked on at QD and around LOX hatch Raptor platform painting continued at launch site LR11000X maintenance work Raptor engines SN95, SN101, SN102, SN104 delivered to production site; Raptor engines SN48, SN66, SN80, SN81 loaded for leaving [likely from B7] Ship aft dome (likely S27) prepared for sleeving; aft dome sleeve connected to crane; sleeved with the help of hammers Starfactory work continued, some workers on the roof Gas storage structures spotted, "These structures are used to store potentially flammable or explosive canisters" [black cage like structures] A raptor boost engine moved into mega bay |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[98] |
| 21.07.2022 | OLS tank farm propellant delivered, several trucks
OLM raptor work platform painted white Chopsticks and OLM worked on SN16 scrap aft section near starfactory Starfactory construction work continue Ship aft dome prepared for sleeving [likely S27, see vid 22] OLS tank farm vented, B7.1 test tank tested to failure; loaded with LN2 and structurally tested; popped after S24 test concluded, then detanked Ship QD tested at the same time as B7.1 S24 Spin prime tested twice (at the same time as B7.1), first test likely only with one engine and partially filled LOX tank, second test likely only with two engines Cape: 4th OLIT segment stacked at LC-39A by LR11350 [Spaceflight Now] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[99] |
| 20.07.2022 | MSIB posted for testing from July 20–21
New Raptor engines delivered and moved into tent 3 (SN88, SN106, SN93), old engines, likely damaged ones, left site (SN60 spotted, two others not identified) Ship LOX tank section with TPS tiles spotted [S25?] B10? aft sleeve fipped; booster aft dome lifted onto sleeving stand and sleeved OLS work nearand on OLM and chopsticks continued Hydraulic accumulators spotted on chopsticks New weather station on OLIt looks complete S24 ignitor test S24 Spin prime tested twice; likely with all 6 engines; LOX tank fully loaded for second test, no frost on CH4 tank Cape: 4th OLIT segment rolled out to LC-39A |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[100] |
| 19.07.2022 | Propellant delivered to SoLS tank farm as well as to OLS tank farm
OLS earth work on the eastern end Chopsticks worked on Starlink loader moved into new building ["payload building"?] by SPMT Booster aft dome worked on at production site Starfactory building work continued, especially on roof B7 inspections continued in high bay 2/wide bay; 13 engines have now been removed Stringers delivered for a new booster OLS tank farm vented, followed by OLM; B7.1 test tank tested, loaded with LN2, ropes of the structural test stand used to simulate launch forces |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[101] |
| 18.07.2022 | S24 vented, opening and closing to be observed
S24 spin prime tested ("spinning up the turbopump(s) of an engine without ignition"); LOX tank frosted up for this test, but no frost on CH4 tank Starfactory construction work continued S25 payload section moved out of tent 3 and was connected to a crane near S25 nosecone; both parts have TPS tiles installed High bay 2/wide bay worked on inside Ship aft section with TPS tile mounts moved Starlinks loaded into payload integration box in a tent Kevin Randolph WAI B7 raptor engines SN50, SN59, SN68 moved into tent 1 after being removed from the booster; 12 engines removed in total |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[102] |
| 17.07.2022 | Actuator removed from rear chopstick (after front chopstick actuator has been replaced recently); later the rear chopstick actuator was replaced
S24 TPS tile worked on, more tiles added near aft flap OLM still charred from B7 explosion; work continued Ship domes spotted outside tents, as well as booster aft dome More beams lifted onto top of new high bay/mega bay; crane moved to another section to continue construction B7 inspected in high bay 2/wide bay Ship aft barrel with QD spotted at production site, behind an old payload bay pathfinder Starfactory construction work continued B7 first raptor engines started to be removed |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[103] |
| 16.07.2022 | [no NSF video]
B9 CH4 tank stacking began [RGV] |
LabPadre | |
| 15.07.2022 | Bosoter QD adapter connected to B7
B7 rolled back to the production site for inspection and repairs after the testing anomaly from July 11; moved into mega bay/high bay 2 S25 work continued on several areas OLS tank farm venting S24 inspected by drone Raptors SN99 and SN76 delivered, possibly as replacement on B7 Starfactory construction continued B10? aft dome spotted; B10 cmn dome sleeve spotted [Kevin Randolph] Chopsticks: Second hydraulic accumulator mounted Kevin Randolph] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[104] |
| 14.07.2022 | Chopsticks opened ahead of B7 lifting operation, closed again (possibly to test the new actuator)
Engine shrouds removed from B7 Delivery on Remedios ave Dirt work near production site Booster test stand (triangle with two levels) worked on at PPS Stair work for mega bay/high bay 2 Raptor platform moved away from OLS Ship payload section spotted in high bay 1 High bay 2/mega bay more scaffolding installed, likely walls to be added to top level soon S24 TPS tile installation continued Chopsticks left arm actuated for the first time since actuator was replaced B7 raptor engine moved to production site Booster QD rectracted, ship QD arm retracted, chopsticks raised, closed in on B7, attached to lift points; B7 lifted off the OLM by chopsticks, onto booster transport stand (by the help of the pins!); removed engine shielding visible; then chopsticks disconnected from B7 MSIB issued for testing from July 18–20 Cape: New LR11000 crane being delivered for Roberts road Boca's Brain] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[105] |
| 13.07.2022 | New chopstick actuator installed as replacement of the old one that was recently removed
B7 engine section inspection continued via raptor platform, the whole day OLM, some piping seems to be damaged as well S24 TPS tiles being added on SoLS Pad B; also work near aft flaps SPMTs moved to the launch site, under the booster transport stand, likely for B7 transport back to production site B8 fwd dome section spotted; camera attached at the top Mega bay/high bay 2 more scaffolding added at the top Raptor engines (newly delivered) moved into the tents Starfactory work continued B5 scrapping continued Raptor transport fixture delivered to launch site Single raptor engine moved to launch site; replaced another (outer ring) engine on B7, unknown reason why this was done at the launch site; after that, the raptor platform moved away from B7 and OLM [vid 14] Elon Musk: Orbital flight "if testing goes well, as soon as next month" -Roberts Rd: --OLIT section 4 & 5 prepared for roll out as scaffolding is being installed on the top and equipment has been installed; 7th segment strutcurally now complete; GSE pipes slowly disappearing as they are being installed—Mega bay foundation being poured, clearing made, likely for a pad to fabricate sections of the bay—Chopstick arm receiving a shoulder; carriage system being worked on, now the two parts have been joined together—Ship QD arm construction began near the chopsticks—Starfactory: roof beams and some sections already prefabricated and positioned next to the foundations; concrete poured and conduit laid—NASA plans: SpaceX plans to expand the roberts rd facility to the north; huge expansion "in support of optimizing production and launch of their reusable launch vehicle fleet"; 100 acres of land, consisting of facilities for: vehicle and payload processing, fabrication, storage, manufacturing and shipping and receiving -LC-39A—OLIT 3rd segment installed; elevator being installed—Some ground work near the base of OLIT, possibly propellant lines and wiring laid—Barrel sections spotted near the mysterious stucuture near the main ramp, likely fit with it—Hexagonal piece in the south looks finished; it will likely be used to stabilize the OLM legs as they are filled with concrete and the during the curing process |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[106] |
| 12.07.2022 | Mega bay/high bay 2 work at the top continued, new parts lifted
Deliveries to production site B5 scrapped parts still outside at production site; some pieces moved out of mega bay to scrapyard Starfactory work continued on many man lifts Unknown structure spotted at production site: 5 vertical white tanks, connected to 6 smaller, black, vertical cylinders Ship common dome washed outside tents; then put on sleeving stand Nosecone being worked on in tent 3 Tube delivered to production site (rusty) B6 test tank worked on (near the fin holes) OLM and B7 inspection; the damage on the OLM legs is visible but likely not significant; other damage spotted: raptor trailer, argon storage, potential engine cover, generator, welding equipment, OLM railings, cabinets, small pipework on the OLIT, chopsticks scaffolding, ventilation hose, lamps, OLT control panels, scorching [Oscar Sparrow] Raptor platform (old) moved under B7/OLM Chopsticks: left arm secured with orange strap New chopsticks arm hydraulic actuator delivered to launch site at 21:42 FAA/NASA: SpaceX has filed for a proposal to expand their Roberts road site at Cape Canaveral see here and here |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[107] |
| 11.07.2022 | New raptor work platform unfolded and refolded early morning
OLM covers delivered to launch site (16) B7 worked on inside OLIT weather station has been installed on the top Raptor platform (old) moved to B7/OLM Old chopstick actuator shipped away Starfactory work continued Work on top of Mega bay/high bay 2 continued Nosecone cage/test structure moved out of Starbase B7 Spin Prime test with all 33 engines, resulted in a huge explosion and some damage on B7 engine section and likely OLM; also a small fire developed around the orbital pad while venting and LOX dumping continued; site inspected by several drones |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
|
| 10.07.2022 | S24 worked on near the missing row of TPS tiles, new tiles added
LR11000X moved, possibly to protect from potential static fire from S24 A chopstick arm actuator removed for potential upgrades/replacement; later left launch site B7 engine work continued on via raptor platform and lifts OLS tank farm venting OLIT work on its top ahead of installing a weather antenna [ultrasonic anemometer], later installed CH4 delivery to OLS tank farm New chopstick actuator delivered to production site, likely to replace the one removed; looks much more robust Starlink loader (white box) worked on MSIB issued for testing from July 11–14 |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[108] |
| 09.07.2022 | OLM and OLS tank farm venting
PA at 4:35: "Attention at the orbital pad! Pad is now clearing for Thunderbird."; venting at 6am Chopsticks tested (raised, opened, rotated, lowered while enclosing B7); after that, the ship QD moved in place again S24 inspected; tiles added near fwd flap B7 work continued Starfactory work continued Mega bay/high bay 2 work continued, more scaffolding installed at the top Raptor platform raised and lowered under B7/OLM Everyday Astronaut: Starbase Tour with Elon Musk part 4 released Cape: SpaceX submitted plans to widen the Saturn causeway by 10 feet to be able to roll out larger hardware down the road (e.g. tower segments) Harry Stranger] FCC filings: Starlink communication during orbital test via multiple terminals mounted on ship and booster Michael Baylor; New flight profile details: booster [B7?] will do either partial return and land in Gulf of Mexico or do a full return with a catch attempt; Ship will reach about 250 km altitued, then powered landing in Pacific Michael Baylor |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[109] |
| 08.07.2022 | New OLM work platform (raptor platform) moved from production site to launch site; there are side pieces that fold upwards to provide a larger working area
OLS tank farm consumables delivered B7 work continued OLM work continued EDOME test tank moved Old raptor platform raised and lowered under OLM/B7 Starfactory work continued Work on a weather station B5 fwd section spotted S25 nosecone outside tent 3; TPS tiles have been installed B8 has been stacked (hidden in mega bay/high bay 2); now fully stacked B10 fwd dome spotted Test tank worked on at PPS [?] Chopsticks and QD arm tested |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[110] |
| 07.07.2022 | B8 bridge crane attached to CH4 tank in mega bay
B7 engine section work continued Loud venting heard at OLS OLS tank farm venting S24 connected to new Pad B QD; disconnected form LR11000X Booster fwd dome sleeve moved at production site into tent Ship aft dome section/sleeve in front of tents B8 stacked in high bay 2/mega bay; CH4 tank lifted (final stacking) Three Raptor 2 engines delivered, one identified as SN73 B7 ambient proof test; venting from OLS tank farm, OLM and B7 preassure vents [vid 08] Raptor platform moved under B7/OLM after the test [vid 08] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[111] |
| 06.07.2022 | S24 lifted onto SoLS Pad B for more testing; later the transport stand and the two SPMTs moved away [lifted at 6:26, touched down on Pad B at 6:44]
MSIB/NOTMAR issued for testing on 6–7 July B7 raptor engines worked on; likely shielding installation via raptor platform; later the raptor platform moved away Barrel section with TPS mounts in front of tent 3, orange tape spotted on it [S25 payload section??] Work on new building at production site continued Material delivered B5 scrapping continued in high bay 2/mega bay Pressurization trailer spotted Booster thrust assembly flipped [apparently the thrust puck plus some more additions to one side] Starfactory work continued B7 ambient proof tested (no cryo load but venting observed, as well as minor venting at the tank farm), followed by igniter tests B8 fwd section (13-rings tall CH4 section) moved into mega bay/high bay 2 S25? nosecone with flaps and TPS covers spotted in tent 3 along with two other unfinished nosecones [is it the same as in June 29's video? if so, progress has been extremely fast] B7 grid fins tested [vid 07] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[112] |
| 05.07.2022 | S24 rolled to the launch site
Roll out continued, rolled next to SoLS Pad B; lifting squid connected via LR11000X; hoses disconnected from ship |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
|
| 04.07.2022 | S24: Starboard "S24" decal applied, also an X has been added above the communication tiles [vid 05] | LabPadre | |
| 03.07.2022 | S24 tape applied to mask off an area for application of paint! (according to NSF)
Starfactory work continued B5 remains in mega bay B7 worked on; both on engine section and near cmn dome section; engine shields being installed via raptor platform LOX deliveries to OLS tank farm OLM work continued, some lines vented OLS tank farm: Shell 2 (original water tank) has some scaffolding installed OLS berm being worked on |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[113] |
| 02.07.2022 | S24 work continued in high bay 1
B5 scrapping continued, only aft section remaining on stand Starfactory work continued Work in and around the new production site building continued Chopsticks work continued Earth work at OLS around OLM OLM work continues, especially on small piping/wiring B7 work on engine/aft section via raptor platform Tanker truck to OLS tank farm |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[114] |
| 01.07.2022 | Starlink loader lowered from S24 after being tested
OLS tank farm deliveries of consumables Raptor platform again under B7 and OLM as work on engine section continued OLM work continued Scaffolding on chopstick carriage system Chopsticks worked on S24 worked on in high bay 1; payload bay closed again Crane/SPMT storage site: work on finishing the new building B5 scrapping continued, fwd section detached S25 payload section still outside tents Starlink loader: loading rails extended (!) |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[115] |
June 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.06.2022 | S24 disconnected from loadspreader in high bay 1
Raptor platform moved away from OLM Starlink loader (white box) moved from tent 1 to high bay; prepared for lifting in high by 1 B5 cut in half in high bay 2/mega bay Deliveries to production B4 prepared for roll back; then left launch site, rolled back to production site; entered rocket garden OLM work continued; venting seen OLS tank farm ground piping worked on Starlink loader (white box) lifted and tested in high bay on S24; payload door opened for that OLS tank farm/B7 unknown testing with road closure, pad clear and tank farm venting McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on vertical test stand NSF] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[116] |
| 29.06.2022 | SPMTs moved under B4
OLS tank farm commodities delivered B7 worked on at the top and in other parts; also worked on inside through LOX access hole OLM work continued B7 LOX access hole closed; raptor maintenance platform moved under B7/OLM and work on engine section; later the platform was removed and moved back next to EDOME test tank OLS tank farm plumbing worked on Container rigged for moving at launch site Mytery parts delivered to launch site Mega bay/high bay 2 work continued S24 worked on in high bay 1 (still attached to crane) New style flat dome and 2 ship fwd domes in front of tents and worked on A loadspreader moved into tent 1 S25 payload section work continued New nosecone worked on in tent 3, possibly for S25 Work on new production site building continued Underground pipes laid at production site B7 tested and vented (no frost or condensation) Cape: Third OLIT tower segment lifted and installed by LR11350 at LC-39A |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[117] |
| 28.06.2022 | S24 lifted and moved in high bay 1 [engine installation complete?]
B5 now in mega bay/high bay 2 Barrel section in high bay 1 Starfactory work continued 5-ring barrel section moved to scrap yard Transfer tube moved around the production site B5 grid fins reinstalled in the high bay 2/mega bay S25 payload bay section worked on outside at production site S24 work continued B7 worked on at the fwd dome area B7 venting B7.1 test tank tested, filled with cryo -Roberts Rd: --After the roll out of two OLIT sections, the foot stands returned to the assembly site at roberts road, and were place on the concrete footings again, the new concrete bases for segment 8 and 9 are still not used—Chopsticks and carriage system spotted to the north of starship factory—Third OLIT segment prepared for roll out with scaffolding, stairs and cryo pipes installed [rolled out as of releas-date of this video]; 5th section receives stairs; 7th segment beginning to be built with 3 columns up and some cross beams installed; column for shorter top level (8 or 9) spotted; pipe work continued—Mega bay foundation work continued significantly (panels and rebar fro concrete) --Starfactory: foundation work ongoing, rebar work likely finished; wiring and conduits worked on -LC-39A: --A new LR11000 crane has been raised and lifted the first two segments on to the OLIT base; crane still attached to second segment; place for drawworks being inclosed with walls and roofs—Work ongoing on mysteryous structure being build on the ocatgonal foundations seen a few weeks ago; also, a hexagonal structure was spotted at the old landing pad (potentially related) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[118] |
| 27.06.2022 | Raptor maintenance stand removed from under B7/OLM, moved next to the EDOME test tank
Two nosecones an d a payload section in tent 3 S24 has been connected to crane in high bay 1 High bay 2 work continued B8 methane section spotted in mid bay S24 lifted in high bay one, likely placed on a stand to allow vacuum raptor installation Starfactory work continued B5 rolled to the high bay 2/mega bay; one grid fin removed before entering Alarm at launch site indicating pad clear ahead of B7 test B7 ambient/cryo proof test, although no condensation/frost formation on the booster, a lot of venting though from tank farm, OLM and booster [cryo??, likely ambient?] CAPE: Third tower section of the OLIT at LC-39A rolled out [Spaceflight Now]; Parts for ship QD arm spotted Cullen Desforges |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[119] |
| 26.06.2022 | Raptor platform under B7/OLM raised, later lowered again; raptor shielding removed for some work on engines, then reinstalled
OLS tank farm venting Raptor igniters tested again on B7/OLM; several more in the afternoon Engine shield with label spotted: "Do not use Needs modification grindouts" Raptor TVC (thrust vecor control) mounts spotted Worker on OLM controls venting (his hand moves in time with venting on OLM) S25 payload section attached to crane OLS tank farm venting a lot Raptor vacuum engines (3) moved into high bay for installation on S24 |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[120] |
| 25.06.2022 | Raptor stand has moved below B7, OLM
B7 igniters tested (not visible, only audible sign) LR11000X is in front of SoLS Pad B SoLS tank farm worked on, a part (column or long tank?) moved to the landing pad Starfactory work continued SPMT moved near B5 Buckner LR11000 disassembly continued "Bucky" S24 work continued in high bay 1 Engine shields delivered Ship load spreader lifted in high bay 1, likely to lift S24 to allow engines to be installed [vid 26] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[121] |
| 24.06.2022 | Chopsticks disconnected from booster, lifted, moved aside and lowered; Ship QD extended towards B7 (although stabilising arms haven't been reinstalled yet); booster QD on OLM extended towards B7 very slowly
OLM inspected Raptor platform moved to OLS [vid 25] Work on OLS tank farm (cutting or welding) and OLM [vid 25] MSIB issued for testing on June 27–30 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[122] |
| 23.06.2022 | OLM was venting a lot, also from QD
OLM work continued next morning, a cable pull has been installed to lift heavy equipments onto it B7.1 work on top of the structural test stand cap B7 rolled out from mega bay to launch site after repair work has apparently been completed LR11000 (Buckner) disassembly at production site continued Ship payload section being welded in the high bay Work on the new production site building continued S25 payload bay section: crane still attached to Starlink dispenser Mega bay/high bay 2 work continued at the top, the roof has been completed S24 work in high bay 1 continued Chopsticks lifted before booster B7 arrived, then B7 moved in between the chopsticks; chopsticks closed and moved into position; lifting preparations started; B7 lifted during the night [footage continues in vid 24] Raptor 2 RUD on tripod stand at McGregor NSF Cape: OLIT segment 2 lifted by LR11350 and stacked [Spaceflight Now] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[123] |
| 22.06.2022 | Booster QD on OLM has been opened, work on it
OLS tank farm venting B7.1 Pistons from the structural test stand extended upwards and connected to the ropes from the cap OLS tank farm worked on; tanker deliveries (LOX and LN2); berm concrete work began S25 common dome in mid bay; Starlink dispenser installed into S25 nosecone barrel Starfactory work continued Booster aft cap delivered LR11000 crane parts leaving Starbase Cape: Second OLIT section rolled out to LC-39A; another piece of the chopsticks has been delivered to roberts road facility [Spaceflight Now] |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[124] |
| 21.06.2022 | OLS tank farm venting a lot
Can crusher (structural test stand cap) installed on B7.1, ropes not yet connected at the bottom OLM legs painted OLS tank farm LOX delivered SoLS tank farm CH4 delivered SoLS Pad B QD work continued Masonry work on OLS tank farm wall Buckner LR11000 lowered at production site, possibly to be disassembled and shipped away after mega bay construction Mega bay/high bay 2 work continued Mystery object moved at PPS Starfactory work continued New building at the production site (near SPMT yard), work on the inside Cape: OLIT segment 1 lifted by LR11350 crane and installed at LC39-A [Spaceflight Now] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[125] |
| 20.06.2022 | High bay 2 work continued, roof soon to be finished
Ship aft dome spotted outside tent, scrubbed later Starfactory work continued S24 work in high bay continued Unknown structure and a container moved at production site New produciton site building work continued Ship fwd dome moved into tent Several deliveries to production site Two ship nosecones spotted in tent 3 B7.1 being secured to the structural test stand, ropes lowered from the cap Cape: LR11350 crane raised ahead of stacking the first OLIT segment for LC-39A [Spaceflight Now] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[126] |
| 19.06.2022 | B7.1 lifted from transport stand onto structural test stand; the structural test stand cap then was lifted onto the top of B7.1 by LR11000X
OLM covers delivered to launch site [vid 20] |
LabPadre | |
| 18.06.2022 | Chopsticks tested, lifted and lowered
[vid 20] OLIT scaffolding installed on the top for potential antenna Elon Musk: Raptor 2 has about 20% more thrust and 20% less mass, "but focus has been heavily on production rate & reliability" |
LabPadre | |
| 17.06.2022 | New potential load spreader parts delivered (new design)
Steel I beams delivered OLM work continued B7.1 is next to B4 at launch site EDOME test tank worked on Ship aft dome sleeve spotted in front of tents, possibly for S27 S24 in high bay work continued Starfactory work continued Ground work for future expansion Cladding for new building at production site soon completed OLS tank farm tanker deliveries B7.1 work inside and outside Chopsticks being prepared for stacking operations, parts wrapped up in red covers New transfer tube part spotted Tank assembly delivered Work at the Air separation unit antenna High bay work continued at the top Mystery box [add: starlink loader] moved down hwy 4 to tent 1 Elon Musk: First countdown for orbital flight hopefully "next month" [add: yes of course...] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[127] |
| 16.06.2022 | Starfactory work continued
Common EDOME spotted at production site S24 work in high bay continued B7.1 spotted in high bay High bay 2 work continued Ship aft dome sleeve moved out of tents, lead-in ring attached Deliveries to production site Ship common dome sleeve moved into tent Transformers moved to production site Test stand cap moved to launch site to be installed on a test tank [add: B7.1] LR11000X moved at launch site OLM: work on booster QD and other parts Chopsticks work continued SoLS Pad B QD work continued; QD port has been wrapped up Work on top of the EDOME test tank B7 skinnier chines installed B7.1 test tank put on a transport stand in high bay 1, then moved to the launch site [vid 17] Cape update by Greg Scott: Bruckner LR11350 is being assembled; new mystery structure being worked on next to falcon tower (possibly new tank); OLIT sections assembly work continued |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[128] |
| 15.06.2022 | OLM work continued ahead of planned B7 roll out
Chopsticks work continued, work on the downward facing stabilisation pins and their cameras OLS earth work SoLS Pad B QD work continued, earth work nearby Some work on B4 engine section Deliveries of pipes? to produciton site S25 work in mid bay continued Starfactory work continued Nosecone part spotted as well as an old payload door prototype PPS shown near gate A3 Cape, KSC: First OLIT section rolled out to LC-39A |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[129] |
| 14.06.2022 | SoLS Pad B work on new QD continued
OLM significant work continued, some work inside and around the QD; also on the OLM legs around the new protection covers Chopsitcks work continued New equipment delivered to OLS tank farm Post removed at OLS tank farm, which proved to be quite difficult Some work or inspection on EDOME test tank Booster common dome flipped [B9??] 4-ring barrel section moved at production site [B9??] High bay 2 work continued, roof still not finished S24 worked on in high bay 1 S25 payload bay section seen in front of tents Work on the new building/structuer at the SPMT yard continued Elon Musk: We will have a second Starship stack ready to fly in August and then monthly thereafter [add: no] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[130] |
| 13.06.2022 | One Bridge crane worked on in Megabay/High bay 2
Ship aerocover spotted Booster header tank spotted in front of tents Gravel moved at PPS Cladding work on high bay 2 continued, soon to be finished S25 in mid bay worked on 4-ring barrel section in front of tents Starfactory work continued S24 in high bay 1 worked on SoLS Pad B work on the new QD mount Concrete pump working at SoLS Construction work outside the launch site main gate Booster QD removed from structural test stand at OLS EDOME test tank still waiting for test FAA released final PEA: Mitigated FONSI (finding of no significant impact) with around 75 mitigations |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[131] |
| 12.06.2022 | Umbilicals on structural test stand disassembled, where B7 was cryo tested
OLM work continued Cladding work on the new structure/building B7.1 being welded Starship starlink loader / mystery box worked on LN2 delivereis to OLS tank farm Tanker truck deliveries to SoLS tank farm Dome spotted on welding rig FAA announcement expected on June 13 Houses moved at the SoLS tank farm Booster QD on OLM tested QD arm moved and chopsticks rose as part of a booster lift simulation: Chopsticks simulated grabbing a booster, stabilizer arms and engineering cameras moved closer to monitor the procedure, then moved down again Two objects moved into the mystery box (vid 13) |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[132] |
| 11.06.2022 | Raptor 2 engine delivered to production site
New building near production site: wall being added B8 methane tank in high bay B7 has all 33 engines installed according to Elon Musk; at least one HPU (hydraulic pressure unit) cover installed White mystery structure spotted in tent 1 High bay 2 work continued Ballast loaded onto an SPMT S24 in high bay 1 OLM Booster QD rear hood reinstalled; crane detached Cape: First parts for chopsticks spotted at roberts road facility Zack Golden NASA: NASA and SpaceX leadership recently met for an update on Starship, the human landing system (Raptor engines visible) |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[133] |
| 10.06.2022 | B7.1 test tank fwd section moved into high bay 1, stacked onto aft section
I-beams deliverd to production site Starfactory work continued [Why is there a wall towards the tents?] S24 worked on in high bay 1 PPS plant worked on, antenna installed [?] Earth work at PPS S25 tank section in mid bay Chopsticks worked on as well as OLM Concrete work near SoLS pad A: Berm work to SoLS tank farm Concrete broken up outside fence at launch site main entrance EDOME test tank at launch site S27 aft dome barrel section moved to tent 1 (quad) Parts lifted into white mystery box (possibly a Starlink loader) Chopsticks tested: lifted FAA, Cape: Aeronautical study on high bay at the Cape concluded: "determination of no hazard to air navigation"; hight according to document is 325 feet (99m) AGL and 333 feet AMSL FAA |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[134] |
| 09.06.2022 | High bay 2/megabay cladding work; half of the roof seems to be installed
Starfactory work continued S25 tank section moved to mid bay (cmn dome and midlox sections) Booster aft section moved around Ground work for future expansion B7.1 aft section moved into high bay 1 S24 lifted off SoLS pad A by LR11000X, put on transport stand; moved back to production site, entered high bay 1 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[135] |
| 08.06.2022 | Raptor 2 engine moved into mega bay
Beams delivered to production site Quad barrel sleeve moved between fence and tent 1; worked on near tent 1; moved into tent 1 B7.1 cmn dome section as booster fwd dome for a test tank High bay 2 work continued Starfactory work continued New building near production site work continued EDOME test tank moved to the launch site LR11000X moved towards S24 at pad A, connected to it; Ship QD panel detached SoLS pad B worked on, possibly installing a new QD Cape: SpaceX submitted updated plans for roberts road production area; main factory now 648000 sqft, 136000 sqft larger than in previous plans; confirmation of two high bays, each 32138 sqft Harry Stranger |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[136] |
| 07.06.2022 | SoLS tank farm LN2? delivery
OLS tank farm many deliveries of LOX/LN2 Boston dynamics dog ZEUS and APOLLO spotted SoLS earth work continued B7 in high bay 2: at least one of the chines have been removed Mystery structure (black column with 4 feet) lifted onto a truck B7.1 cmn section spotted, being used as a booster fwd dome of a new test tank; crews work on it; later moved Raptor installation truck spotted Booster load spreader moved at production site Starfactory work continued Structural test stand cap worked on (the one with a tank on top) S24 cryo proof test #3 at SoLS Pad A, possibly with thrust ram tests; LOX tank fully frosted; CH4 only started later; huge depress vent before loading CH4 continued to top OLM QD hood extension (rear part) moved back to launch site -Roberts Road Complex: --OLIT: No new sections built, but additional work on previous segments; segment 5 (third built, level of QD arm) gets hardware for QD arm; raceway installed on the columns that will be opposite the OLM [couldn't they also be rails for chopsticks??] --Megabay: concrete poured over rebar; cross bracings seen near tents area—Starfactory: More pile drilling work—Elon Musk render: Megabay entrance will be to the north; starfactory will have two different roof hights -Pad 29-A: --OLM: all legs in place—Crane base spotted for crane that will stack OLIT—OLIT: Remaining concrete work appears to be done; work continues on future location for drawworks on opposite side of OLM—GSE line covers spotted near the pad—Octagonal pad work continued; purpose still unknown |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[137] |
| 06.06.2022 | Mystery box moved in front of tent 3
S25? payload section / nc barrel in front of tents HVAC systems delivered on a flatbet Starfactory work continued, more beams added towards southwest Old test tanks and SN16 aft section at PPS White mystery box moved again; according to NSF it might be a Starlink Block 2 satellite loader More beams delivered to production site LR11000X moved away from pad A ahead of S24 test S24 cryo proof test #2 at SoLS pad A, possibly including the thurst rams to simulate structural loads on aft dome during lift off (force by engines); LOX tank frosted up to half, followed by CH4 and second half of LOX tanks |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[138] |
| 05.06.2022 | B8 LOX tank moved from high bay 1 to high bay 2
Video released by Elon Musk: -B7 and S24 still planned to complete orbital flight test -Starlink Block 2 will be deployed in pairs of 2 satellites each -Picture of B7 engine section with Raptor 2 engines and shielding -Renders of Starbase and Cape production facilities S24 some TPS tiles replaced (those who fell off during first ambient test) OLM worked on SoLS pad B work continued CH4 delivery to OLS tank farm SoLS grass vent New building structure work continued near production site S25 cmn dome and mid LOX sections in high bay 1 |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[139] |
| 04.06.2022 | Nice sunrise
Pad A closed for S24 lifting operations at 07:40 am S24 aft flaps folded; ship lifted by LR11000X onto SoLS pad A for thrust ram tests; work around aft section; later detached from crane Starfactory and high bay 2 work continued S25? Payload bay/nc barrel section spotted; no tiles yet Work on new building structure continued facing hwy 4 at production site S25 mid-LOX and common dome sections moved into high bay 1; common dome section stacked onto mid-LOX section |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[140] |
| 03.06.2022 | Two ring flat dome sleeve lifted into mid bay and stacked onto EDOME section
B7 last grid fin installed Dome jig spotted in tent S25 nosecone both fwd flaps installed Booster QD hood extension at production site New building structure beginning to be built at production site, columns lifted OLM booster QD vented as crews were working near it New booster transport stand work continued High bay 2 work continued; 3 levels of side wall panneling still missing; roof work has progressed S25 sections staged outside high bay 1 B8 LOX tank section rotated in high bay LR11000X picked up a load spreader at SoLS Ship barrel sleeves in front of tents with TPS tile attachment points EDOME test tank worked on in mid bay S24 disconnected from OLS cryo station QD; QD adapter installed [?] S24 moved to SoLS pad A, attached to LR11000X load spreader SoLS pad A: Last main Fill/Drain LOX and CH4 pipes attached to QD panel, now complete Cape: All 6 legs of OLM at 39A now vertical, base completed (William Harwood) B8 transport stand moved to the build site B8 LOX tank moved inside high bay 1; placed on new booster transport stand [vid 04] |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[141] |
| 02.06.2022 | Mystery structure still in tent 1
Two Raptor 2 engines delivered SN16 scrapping continued S25 nosecone TPS tiles work continued; fwd flaps installed Stage assembled for a meeting Development double barrel sleeve spotted ("This is likely a development section for welding the new dome design") B7 second grid fin installed, third later this day OLM booster QD hood extension moved to production site storage area, unknown reason OLMo work continued SoLS pad A preparations continued Starhopper meintenance work S24 cryo proof test at OLS cryo station; CH4 tank frosted, followed by LOX tank, both tanks fully frosted, detanked, depressed; passed the test according to Elon Musk FAA: Section 4f of the Environmental Assessment completed today as last big milestone; release still target for June 13 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[142] |
| 01.06.2022 | Road closed at 17:24, pad cleared at 17:56 for potential testing; farm venting at 17:57; road opened at around 22:00
OLS tank farm: several deliveries of LOX/LN2 and CH4; work continued SoLS tank farm: LN2 delivered OLM work continued; work on booster QD hood S24 repair work continued and completed High bay 2 work continued B8 LOX tank stacked on engine section in high bay 1; after being stacked and destacked twice SN16 disassembly continued; aft section rolled to scrap yard Booster methane barrel section (triple) spotted S25 nosecone TPS tiles work continued Mystery box work continued Ship transfer tube loaded onto a truck near gate B3 Starfactory work continued B7 raptor engine installation continued; first grid fin installed |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[143] |
May 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.05.2022 | S25 nosecone TPS tiles work in tent 3 continued
Mystery box worked on SN16 worked on at top of tank section; scrapping Fwd dome (flat design) moved into tent Old booster header tank repurposed as some sort of horizontal storage tank [?] Starfactory work continued B8 engine section moved from tent to high bay (header tank visible) S25 nosecone moved out of tent 3, tiles work continued S24 pressurized, dents visibly disappeared OLM work continued; inside of legs have received new shielding; work on booster QD and hood continued SoLS Pad B upgrade work continued S25? fwd dome section (sleeved) spotted B7 disconnected from bridge crane in high bay 2 ahead of a potential roll out; engine installation continued Standard TFR updated for June Faa: Release of EA delayed; intended new date of issuing now June 13 (Christian Davenport) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[144] |
| 30.05.2022 | [No video]
S24 new pipe with expansion loops lifted into payload bay hatch; additional parts of raceway aerocover added |
||
| 29.05.2022 | OLM and booster QD work continued
S24: crews worked on raceway; reparations continued; fwd aerocover not yet installed at aft flap SoLS Pad B old ship QD has been removed Ship common dome spotted with TPS tiles installed Ship flap aerocover spotted Dome with new design spotted in front of tents next to a ship transfer tube (still wraped up) S25 nosecone TPS tiles work continued in tent 3 LCH4 delivered to OLS tank farm |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[145] |
| 28.05.2022 | High bay 2/Megabay roof contstruction continued
Booster aft dome section has been sleeved recently [?] Mystery structure spotted in tent 1 S25? nosecone TPS tiles work in tent 3 continued Raptor engines SN62 and SN77 delivered to production site Booster fwd tank #2 spotted [B8/B9, barely readable] S24 reparation works continued throughout the day on the section around the fwd at OLS cryo site OLM work continued; modifications on QD hood |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[146] |
| 27.05.2022 | QD arm rotated
OLS tank farm venting a lot S25 nosecone in tent 3 work has progressed EDOME barrel outside tents, hooked to crane SN16 aft flap removed Booster methane sump delivered at gate B3; also a ship thrust puck High bay 2 roof work continued S24 ambient proof test, tanks didn't frost up; OLS tank farm and OLM were venting; S24 lost several tiles from nosecone barrel during the test after a loud boom was heard; fwd dome and cmn dome depress vents (new venting locations compared to older ships; ullage vents) S24 damaged pipe (bent) removed after the testing Stand moved Roadway kit for challenging terrain and SPMTs moved (SPMT on SPMT) Ship QD (on QD arm) retraction test in the evening |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[147] |
| 26.05.2022 | [OLM booster QD hood backside removed during the night]
S24 rolled from high bay 1 to the launch site on SpaceX's SPMTs S24: three areas of TPS tiles around the stacking welds still missing; six unusual hexagonal tiles on nose's leeward side S24 moved to OLS cryo station, attached to QD; first ever ambient venting at 16:26 CDT LOX delivery to OLS tank farm SoLS tank farm beam work continued Earth work at the launch site main entrance (Gate D2) SPMT moved to launch site Temporary buildings from roof of OLS power bay/comms building relocated and installed near the SoLS tank farm and pads Work on popellant production plant Booster transfer pipe section spotted Crane sections continued to leave the site High bay 2 roof work continued Raptor 2 engine SN70 moved into high bay 2/mega bay for installation on B7; R center or R boost equipment still missing Everyday Astronaut: Release of the second part of Starbase tour (OLS): -Orbital flight will follow same trajectory as originally released by FCC exhibit -Booster has a 250t catch weight, goal is 200t; mach 0.5 at start of landing burn; chines will be facing perpendicular to catch arms -HLS mostly digital work currently; focus is orbital test flight -Starlink 2.0: 7m size, some already on site, 1.25t weight, only fit in Starship, has higher throughput and useful bits -Roberts Road: --East end: Hangar X booster transporter empty—Area for upcoming parking space cleared in the north of hangar X --OLIT 2 segments: 5th and 6th segments (according to construction order which doesn't correspond levels) now structurally complete; 5th segment has an additional floor; legs for 7th sement ready on concrete pad, together with some small beams; legs for 8th and 9th segments onsite ---Cryogenic pipes delivered to the tents area, being prepared for installation on OLIT segments ahead of stacking ---Segments numbered 1-2-5-3-4 (from oldest to newest) --Mega bay foundations now complete; pile driller moved away—Starfactory foundation work continued; slower than expected—Trees and bushes removed -Pad 39-A: --OLM leg installation has started: 3 out of 6 already installed, no elbows yet—OLIT base not progressed; likely teams are waiting for the concrete to cure before pouring the next level |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[148] |
| 25.05.2022 | High bay 2 stair parts delivered
Stiffener ring rmoved from a stand Edome barrel (triple) spotted for the first time, likely as part of a new test tank, near gate B3/tent 1; stiffeners and lead-ins Ship fwd dome cleaned Jackhammer broke up concrete at production site B8 worked on in high bay 1, while still being connected to high bay bridge crane Mystery box work continued High bay 2 work continued; new kind of roof beams lifted Starfactory work continued In place machiening equipment set up in high tent next to high bay 2 More crane and SPMT parts left the site S25 fwd dome lifted on sleeving stand; sleeved with corresponding triple with circular hole Scrap coils of stainless steel left production site OLS tank farm LN2 tank venting CH4 deliveries to OLS tank farm continued OLM: work on the QD hoood Ship cryo station at OLS: QD work continued EDOME sleeve spotted (aft assembly for new stretch formed dome test tank) Kevin Randolph OLM booster QD hood backside removed at 11pm |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[149] |
| 24.05.2022 | Methane deliveries to OLS tank farm; also LN2 and LOX delivered
OLS tank farm GSE plumbing work continued; strainer removed at CH4 site OLM minor work continued SoLS pad A: Work and access platform installed at the ship QD S25 nosecone TPS tiles installation nearly complete in tent 3 B7 work in high bay 2/megabay continued SN16 aft flaps moved in the wind outside the tents Triple barrel section with a circular hole (ship fwd dome sleeve) moved into tent 1; moved out again Raptor 2 engine SN74 delivered Water pumped away after morning rain Fagioli SPMT parts left starbase on trucks |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[150] |
| 23.05.2022 | High bay 2 more roof beams lifted; looks finished now
PPS venting Starfactory work continued B8 LOX tank work continued in high bay 1 Crawler crane disassembly started at high bay 2 Mystery box white painting continued Scrap ring moved Aft cap transport stand loaded onto a truck Construction work near the production site; work on a new concrete foundation SPMT loaded onto a truck (Old red Fagioli) Structural test stand work continued Raptor installation platform for OLM is currently next to SoLS pad B Chopstick work continued OLM work continued; new black back part [cover extension] of the booster QD cover spotted earlier now installed in the afternoon |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[151] |
| 22.05.2022 | High bay 2: installation of roof beams continued, soon to be finished
RC scheduled for Monday Hardware "Tooling" column spotted at production site New booster transfer stand work continued OLM booster QD cover attached to crane and moved at launch site; but not yet installed CH4 deliveries continued to OLS tank farm Raptor 2 engine SN63 converted into Rboost, moved into mega bay for installation on B7 |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[152] |
| 21.05.2022 | OLS tank farm venting as LN2 was delivered
OLS tank farm work continued Mystery box that has been painted white recently attached to a crane Office building looking like LC-39A's crew access arm spotted outside after years in Ground Fabrication building High bay 2 construction continued SPMTs moved at production site S24 second aft flap has been installed recently [RGV aerial] Cape: 3 OLM legs are vertical, 6th OLIT segment under construction Greg Scott |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[153] |
| 20.05.2022 | OLM work continued; OLS CH4 subcoolers and OLM venting [line cleaning?]
SoLS Pad A preparation work continued; ground work near the pad continued as well LN2 delivered to SoLS tank farm ahead of possible S24 testing; suborbital tank farm worked on Starfactory work continued, crews worked on roof beams B8 still connected to bridge crane in high bay 1 Mystery box being painted white High bay 2 work continued, e.g. on work platform installation near the top New booster transport stand work continued Tent 3: Ship nosecone TPS tiles work continued (possibly S25?) FAA/SpaceX: Plans for LNG processing plant at launch site cancelled to mitigate impact on local wildlife Bloomberg |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[154] |
| 19.05.2022 | Deliveries to launch site
CH4 delivered to OLS tank farm Chopsticks work continued SoLS Pad A preparation work continued Two new Raptor 2 engines delivered: SN63 identified B8 methane transfer tube lifted into LOX tank New stand parts delivered to production site B7 work in high bay 2 continued Starfactory work continued, more wall panels added High bay 2 [megabay/widebay] work continued; work platform constructed near the top |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[155] |
| 18.05.2022 | OLM, OLIT, chopsticks worked on a lot
LOX, CH4 deliveries to OLS tank farm; resumption of CH4 delivery might indicate static fire testing to start soon (first delivery since installation of the new CH4 tanks) Concrete work at LOX offload station at OLS tank farm SoLS tank farm berm worked on OLS ship cryo station QD work continued LR11000X inspected Ship transfer tube delivered to production site Ship mid-LOX section spotted with installed TPS tiles Raptor engine moved into high bay for installation on B7; antoher one moved from the high bay 2 to tent 1 High bay 2 construction work continued Starfactory work continued; work on the roof Intermodal container moved High bay 1 bridge crane connected to B8 LOX tank section Load spreader moved to production site Tank failed at McGregor NSF |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[156] |
| 17.05.2022 | High bay 2: roofing panels/beams lifted; wall work continued
Booster common dome lifted SN16 tank section left high bay 2, moved towards mid bay S24 and B8 worked on in high bay 1 Starfactory work continued Raptor 2 engines SN21, SN24, SN46, moved into high bay 2 for installation on B7 New parts for OLM delivered to launch site; booster QD-backside cover (covering the flexible cryo lines), other angular parts OLIT and chopsticks work continued OLS Cryo station ship QD worked on NASA, HLS: Cryo propellant transfer test slated for no later than fiscal year 2023 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[157] |
| 16.05.2022 | Chopsticks worked on
New SPMT delivered Structural test stand work continued Ship cryo station at OLS,work on QD QD arm work continued OLM work continued Repair work at gate D2 (Launch site main entrance), concrete opened up New gate installed at launch site (next to the tank farm wall and offloading station) High bay 2 work continued Rvac engine boxes spotted at the production site SN16 flaps removed, quite ruggedly, nosecone scrapping continued; flaps loaded onto a flatbed S24 aft flap installed B7 worked on in high bay 2/mega bay Raptor vacuum engine boxes left Boca Chica (one labelled SN 1) Fuel storage tanks delivered (Enviro Cube) High bay 1/mega bay: more roof beams lifted Work on nosecones in tent 3, likely for S25 and S26 [vid 17] Cape: First OLM leg vertical at LC-39A |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[158] |
| 15.05.2022 | Raptor engines visible unter SN20/S20
S25 or S26 Mid-LOX section spotted Stiffener ring removed from a 5-ring barrel section S24 worked on in high bay 1 B8 LOX section (16 rings tall) moved into high bay 1, attached to bridge crane to resume stacking operations; stacked onto another 4-ring section (LOX tank now 20 out of 24 rings tall) SN16 nosecone still sitting in front of bays Counterweights removed from an SPMT Chopsticks and OLM work continued |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[159] |
| 14.05.2022 | B7 rolled back to the production site, entered gate B2 and then high bay 2 [filmed from gate B6], possibly for Raptor engine installation; later attached to bridge crane
SN16 nosecone sitting in front of bays, moved to the scrapyard High bay 2 [megabay according to Musk/widebay] wall panelling work continued Raptor 2 engines delivered from McGregor, SN66 identified OLM worked on Elon Musk Starbase tour with Everyday Astronaut, Part 1 released; key take aways: -First orbital flight by B7 and S24, likely with Starlink satellites in an electrically actuated dispenser -Ullage gas thrusters on both ship and booster -Thrust to weight ratio of full stack will be around 1.5 at lift off -Ship fwd flaps will need to be improved massively, possibly even removing them or moving them more to the leeward side -No more suborbital flights -B7 120 degrees chines layout make sense due to pressure [?]; B7 will have lighter grid fins -Future boosters will have less grid fins, not more than 3 -Megabay [high bay 2] supports up to 12 work stations, is 30–40 ft taller than high bay 1 and has 4x usable area |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[160] |
| 13.05.2022 | Booster QD on OLM is retracted
B7 lifted from OLM onto transport stand by LR11000X SoLS Pad A: Ship QD added SoLS tank farm vented slightly SN16 tank section still in high bay 2 Starfactory wall installation continued New booster transport stand work continued S25 flaps spotted Booster load spreader picked up by high bay 2 bridge crane for first time |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[161] |
| 12.05.2022 | Chopsticks work continued
OLM/B7 work on "engine" section B7 inspection LN2 delivery to OLS tank farm Structural test stand worked on SoLS Pad A preparation work continued Ground work at SoLS LR11000X moved to OLS, OLM, connected to B7 via loadspreader OLM booster QD hood painted black SN20/S20 has replaced SN16 at the rocket garden Work on mystery structure at production site Stafactory siding installation continued, move beams added S24 worked on in high bay 1 High bay 2 work continued, small roof beams installation began (roof frames) Raptor 2 delivered (unknown serial number) Delivery, packed in white sheets and labelled "UTF 12CCJ/F/E", to production site Booster transport stand moved to OLM SN16 nosecone has been removed from rest in high bay 2, sits now in front of tent [vid 13] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[162] |
| 11.05.2022 | SN20/S20 rolled back from launch site to production site, to rocket garden; lifting eyes have been removed last night
S21 aft section scrapped, parts cut off Starfactory work continued, wall panels installation continued S24 has been unhooked from bridge crane in high bay 1, scaffolding for payload bay stacking has been removed, work continued High bay 2 work continued, more wall panels installed, back side now fully covered; rooftop beams installed (for the upper roof, lower roof has been fully installed) SN16 attached to high bay 2 bridge crane, while its stand rolled back to rocket garden through gate A3 Delivery in black boxes (labelled with SN4 and SN1 ?) to production site S26 aft dome spotted in front of tents; S26 quad for payload bay/nosecone barrel section spotted (it's still a quad, extra ring will be welded on top inside the high bay), moved into high bay 1; S26 aft dome sleeve (4-ring) spotted outside the tents, flipped Nosecone in tent 3 TPS tile installation picking up pace S26 aft dome lifted onto sleeving stand Ground work at PPS continued B7/OLM QD reconnected after it has been disconnected B7 cryo proof test on OLM, both tanks fully frosted up; first ever booster/OLM QD retraction test under cryogenic conditions -Roberts road: --Hangar X: New B1064 Falcon heavy rocket side booster spotted; fairing delivered for refurbishment; new parking area north of it; concrete pathways construction started on the east side, indicating no further extension of the building—Starfactory: Two new tents assembled to support construction; concrete spread footings nearly completed—High bays: Pile drillers began to work on the foundations, rebar already being added—OLIT: Fifth section assembly began, three columns added; sixth section starting soon with feet placed, seventh section might start soon as well—Entrance road completed Pad 39A: --Second tent now completed—OLIT base is being expanded with walls coming out to the west and away from the OLM, possibly for draw works, however, the design is certainly different to Starbase where the extension is made of steel beams instead of concrete walls—OLM: Rebars coming out of ground for the legs, the six legs have been spotted north of it—Octagonal clearing of a new foundation spotted west of the OLIT and OLM, unknown purpose |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[163] |
| 10.05.2022 | B7 LOX hatch reopened, worked inside tank; work on OLM/booster QD
Chopsticks work continued OLIT plumbing lifted and installed SoLS Pad A preparation work continued (likely for S24 test campaign) Work on booster transport stand Starfactory first two side covering panels installed SN16 moved to high bay 2 [NSF called it megabay] by two SPMTs after lifting eyes have been installed last night; potentially for som testing; later connected to bridge crane (fiirst heavy lift in mega bay) B8 LOX tank worked on S24 still hooked to bridge crane in high bay 1; welding work continued High bay work continued on top levels New nosecone in tent 3: Thermal blankets applied Black boxes delivered to production site S24 removed from turntable in high bay, welding complete Elon Musk: hopes for first orbital attempt in the summer and an uncrewed mission to Mars in 3 to 5 years Raptor 2 engine RUD on horizontal stand at McGregor NFS |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[164] |
| 09.05.2022 | Construction work at PPS near rocket garden, with excavators
B8 aft tank worked on the outside S24 worked on in high bay 1, rotated on turntable for welding; payload door visible Starfactory work continued High bay 2: work continued, more wall panels added at the back side Ship leg skirt section with can cursher cap on top of it spotted at PPS SPMTs moved under SN16 at rocket garden B5 stand worked on Raptor installation platform near the OLM B7 cryo proof test on OLM; both tank fully frosted up befor detanking Raptor 2 engine RUD at McGregor vertical test stand NSF |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[165] |
| 08.05.2022 | B7 work on OLM continued through LOX tank access hole; work on a raceway
QD arm work continued B8 LOX tank section still waiting outside bay area Nosecone and barrel section worked on in tent 3 S24 tank section worked on in high bay, Nosecone (with barrel section and fwd dome section) stacked onto tank section FCC approval for communication for orbital test renewed (May 21 - November 21) Raptor installation platform moved to OLM [vid 09] |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[166] |
| 07.05.2022 | S24 tank section moved from mid bay into high bay 1 [enough space now as B7 has left]
B7 worked on at OLM; work through LOX access hatch while still hooked to LR11000X; OLM QD hood opened, extended, QD connected; later crane disconnected from B7 (16:30) Pump truck worked at SoLS [vacuum truck, "hydroexcavation" truck, normally used to remove loose dirt, gravel... according to Graves/Pearson] LR11000X moved away from OLS S24 tank section lifted in high bay 1; moved around Starfactory construction work continued Part of a nosecone spotted outside tent 3 |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[167] |
| 06.05.2022 | B7 moved out high bay 1, prepared for roll out (delayed a bit due to lighning); rolled back shortly
SoLS preparation work continued Starfactory work continued S24 nosecone (stacked on barrel section) seen high bay 1 High bay 2 construction work continued B7 rolled out to the launch site for the second time [despite speculation after transfer tube failure] (no grid fins installed yet) B7 lifted onto OLM by LR11000X, after chopsticks moved out of the way FAA: Section 106 review completed today Florida: All six legs for OLM delivered to pad, assembly of 5th OLIT section began, new concrete base under construction at LC39-A (Stranger) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[168] |
| 05.05.2022 | High bay 2 construction continued, more beams lifted and installed
Stairs production behind high bay 1 continued B7 repair work in high bay 1 continued New flat dome design shown Booster aft cap assembly lifted and moved into tent 1 New booster transport stand work continued Front end loader worked at PPS Drone flight at rocket garden/ PPS (inspections/drone test?) Starfactory work continued, more roof beams installed S24 tank section still waiting in mid bay Mystery box (the rusty one near Gate B4) attached to crane and lifted Counterweights moved to production site by SPMT, possibly for B7 roll out in the near future LR11000X moved with load spreader, likely for future B7 lift Booster QD on OLM worked on Chopsticks worked on Unknown item lifted over launch site wall at SoLS OLM vented, possibly Raptor QD vents [?] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[169] |
| 04.05.2022 | OLM work continued; work with a special load spreader
Ship QD arm work continued SoLS Pad A: all 6 thrust rams have been installed SoLS concrete work continued Wide bay 2 work continued Mystery box work continued; another mystery box shown as well Starfactory work continued Air conditioner unit delivered SPMTs being rearranged |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
2UA |
| 03.05.2022 | Work at the top of high bay 2 during night
B7 work in high bay 1 continued High bay 2: wall panels missing on two levels at the back and north side, 5 levels missing on the south side; work continued Starfactory work continued New booster transport stand work continued, securing clamps being added OLM work continued Rvac thrust rams/simulators installation on SoLS pad A LN2 delivery to OLS tank farm Structural test stand work continued US Fish & Wildlife Service documents sent to CNBC via FOIA request, biological and conference opinion based on the review of the effects of the proposed Starship program |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[170] |
| 02.05.2022 | SoLS Pad A work continued to prepare it for testing; concrete work near it
New Ship QD plate added to the new QD stand at Starship cryo station next to OLIT Structural test stand welding work GSE plumbing cleaned Excavator working at SoLS GSE plumbing moved on flatbed at launch site Ship QD arm work continued New GSE hoses delivered to launch site Starfactroy construction work continued, more beams added Faro vantage laser tracker for precise construction spotted More Appleton crane parts moved to PPS Delivery of new unknown structure to production site New scissor lifts spotted at production site |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[171] |
| 01.05.2022 | Chopsticks worked on
Helium containers are at the OLS tank farm S24 and B7 worked on in high bay 1 Appleton Marine crane parts moved to PPS; possibly to leave Starbase LN2 and LOX deliveries to OLS tank farm OLM work continued |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[172] |
April 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.04.2022 | Ship QD arm work continued after the new QD has been installed
S24 still attached to high bay bridge crane Booster aft cap assembly shown High bay 2 [ex widebay] work continued S21 scrapping continued Starfactory work continued |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[173] |
| 29.04.2022 | QD arm, new ship QD installation continued; detached from LR11000X
B7 work in high bay 1 continued S24 stacking preparations continued; nosecone stacked on 3-ring fwd section (first time in this order) Starfactory work continued Large hardware delivered to production site near the new tent Astro pak machine (for metal surface treatment) delivered Transport stand moved on SPMT Rvac thrust simulators have now been assembled OLS tank farm venting from LN2 tank Air conditioners delivered to production site Road closed at 17:14 for unknown reason, opened at 17:52 Chopsticks: diagonal braces at the stabilisation extensions added again First OLM water deluge system test at 09:00:33 pm [vid 30] FAA: PEA Endangered species act consultation completed, Section 106 review pushed back to May 6; PEA delayed to NET May 31 Regular ground TFR updated for May 2022 |
NSF
Mary LabPadre Starship Gazer |
[174] |
| 28.04.2022 | Ship Raptor vacuum thrust rams preparation work at launch site
Ship QD with updated design arrived at launch site; installation on QD arm Workers on beam sculpture at PPS High bay 2 [ex wide bay] work continued S24 nosecone attached to bridge crane in high bay 1 Starfactory work continued S21 scrapped section at PPS Booster aft cap assembly Dome parts delivered Raptor 2 engine SN45 delivered |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[175] |
| 27.04.2022 | Tent 3: several nosecones worked on; polished
High bay 2 [ex wide bay] work continued, more beams lifted; bridge crane shown B7 work continued in high bay 1 Starfactory work continued S21 remains moved to PPS Road work next to rocket garden continued Mystery box work continued New booster transport stand work continued Field machining equipment arrived at production site "In-Place Machining" Stairs and other parts delivered SoLS Pad A work continued, e.g. on additional structure B4 with old Raptor 1 engines shown QD arm overhaul continued; LR11000X moved to it, parts lifted onto it OLM work continued Redesigned grid fins spotted [RGV] High bay 2 bridge cranes tested for first time at 22:55 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[176] |
| 26.04.2022 | Chopsticks: part of stabilizer arms removed
SoLS Pad A installation of thrust simulation equipment continued; Rvac thrust simulators and stands near it OLS tank farm: more plumbing being installed at the CH4 pump site; LOX and LN2 deliveries Raptor van arrived at Starbase, delivered one new lego themed engine, two trucked away, one missing its head High bay 2 [wide bay] work continued S24 fwd dome section (fully tiled) moved from tent 3 to high bay for future stacking; lifted [likely placed on a new stand] Smooth fwd dome outside dome B8 fwd section seen in mid bay High bay 2 [wide bay]; stairs lifted into it Elon Musk: Raptor 2 engines assembled in tent at starbase, 230 tons of force each McGregor: Long duration Raptor 2 test on vertical test stand [NSF] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[177] |
| 25.04.2022 | OLM and chopsticks worked on
SoLS Pad A work continued Structural test stand worked on OLS tank farm plumbing work continued at pumping area CH4 deliveries to OLS tank farm High bay 2 (wide bay) work continued, work platform removed Starfactory work continued, more beams added Curved stand parts delivered B7 disconnected from bridge crane in high bay; moved into the corner B8 LOX tank worked outside Groundwork near the Rocket Garden High bay 1: Work on some supporting beams S24 nosecone spotted in high bay OLM raptor QD tested at 18:06 Cylindrical bases of RVac thrust simulators delivered to launch site for S24 testing? |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[178] |
| 24.04.2022 | SoLS Pad A work continued for preparing testing; new ship QD frame installed at around 10:45
QD arm work continued OLS tank farm work continued, plumbing installed New transfer tubes for booster spotted B7 worked on at high bay; transfer tube possibly being repaired; hydraulic power unit shown; at 17:16, replacement downcomer segments lifted into B7 Mystery box at production site Deliveries to production site, unknown parts, dome segments Work on new booster stand FAA: PEA Section 106 review pushed back to 29 April |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[179] |
| 23.04.2022 | B7 worked on in high bay; leaked picture from inside LOX tank shows transfer tube scrunched
New transfer tube for unknown booster delivered Old cargo door prototype shown Work on new ship nosecone in tent 3 OLM work continued SoLS pad A work continued, brown metal part lifted and installed Chopsticks tested, raised and lowered [vid 24] |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[180] |
| 22.04.2022 | Two smooth? nosecones in tent 3
Scrap dome in front of tents Booster aft section (sleeved) prepared to flip; later flipped; great views from the inside of aft section with plumbing New transport stand [again not much shown] B7 in high bay: chine has been opened up Road work in front of prdouction site StarFactory work continued Wide bay: Work platform lowered Black Mystery box spotted at production site, connected to a crane S24 tank section worked on in mid bay Load spreader disconnected from S24 nosecone SoLS concrete work OLS: Work continued on GSE piping Bystronic laser cutter delivered to production site Parts for a new stand? delivered B8? thrust section flipped |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[181] |
| 21.04.2022 | Three new Raptor 2 engines delivered, lego themed; RSN51 identified
FCC document: Wide bay called "High Bay 2" Booster common dome sleeve moved Ship load spreader moved at production site Booster transport stand work continued at launch? site Concrete work at production site entrance (Gate B2) S21 at scrap yard; TPS tiles and white blanket torn off Work on new stand continued Starfactory production building work continued [name has been confirmed by label spotted on beams] Grey turbine like parts delivered SPMT moved weights to production site Three Rvac thrust simulators moved to launch site, offloaded near SoLS Pad A and installed in the pad SoLS: Berm under construction! OLM work continued OLIT: Work on Chopsticks rail |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[182] |
| 20.04.2022 | LN2 tanker trucks at PPS, venting
Ground fabrication building shown Smooth nosecone spotted in tent B7 worked on in high bay Starship factory starfactory girders installed Old cargo door prototype still around at production site Starship thrust simulator moved to SoLS; fit checks on Pad A; removed again Grove GMK 1550 boom element delivered New booster thrust puck delivered Ship thrust simulator lifted again into Pad A [vid 21] -Roberts road: --Hangar X: New Fence splitting the offload area into two parts, one likely for fairing half delivery/refurbishment/roll out; More material for interior—Road to north paved for increase in activity—4 OLIT segments prepared, 3rd and 4th segment received parts for central elevator truss; feet for 5th segment prepared; more feet ready—Starfactory: Construction starting, cut-outs for concretes spread footings visible—Clearing for high bays continued, access road construction started between bay area and starfactory area—Retention pond being filled -Pad 39A: --Cocnrete work on OLIT base continued, first stage complete; work on the two back walls, that will hold the draw work system; panels removed—Foundations for the six OLM legs appear to being built up to ground level after earth work last week—New white tent added in the south; frame for a second tent next to it—Work on upgrading hydrogen sphere continued FCC: Official name for wide/mega bay is high bay 2 |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[183] |
| 19.04.2022 | B7 worked on in high bay, especially aft section
Wide bay work continued [according to new official documents called wide bay 2] New production tent work continued Starfactory work continued, first horizontal beam installed Raptor 2s engine SN42 delivered Structural test stand QD worked on OLIT new plumbing lifted by LR11000X |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[184] |
| 18.04.2022 | B7 prepared for lifting, transport stand prepared, lifted by LR11000X and placed onto transport stand (alignment pin not used); load spreader and crane disconnected from B7; rolled back to production site (reason yet unknown)
B8 LOX tank moved within high bay by bridge crane; then moved out of high bay, likely to make place for B7 Construction of new factory building that will replace the production tents (often referred to as "Starfactory") continued with first beams being placed Dismantling of a container back wall at production site near gate B3 Wide bay work continued New production tent work continued; first awnings added B7 moved into high bay; attached to bridge crane |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[185] |
| 17.04.2022 | OLM raceway covers installation continued
B7 umbilical disconnected ahead of possibly lifting it off the structural test stand New mystery structure [spotted yesterday] now delivered to launch site Nosecone in tent 3 has alignment jig attached [S25?] B8 aft #4 tank section (4-ring, part of LOX tank) prepared for lifting in front of high bay; lifted and placed on a stand; LOX tank moved within high bay, lifted by bridge crane and stacked onto aft #4 section (LOX tank now 16 rings tall) Cape: OLM foundations visible on satellite imagery Harry Stranger |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[186] |
| 16.04.2022 | Crane counterweighs transported by SPMT
S21 scrapping continued New tent construction continued B7 connected to LR11000X Tank trucks deliveries to OLS tank farm Rusty mystery structure delivered Ground work for possible future starfactory shown Old methane theader tank design for booster spotted at PPS Nosecone in tent 3 being prepared for aerosurfaces |
NSF
Nic Mary LabPadre |
[187] |
| 15.04.2022 | B8 LOX tank stacked: cmn dome and aft #2 sections stacked onto aft #3 section (now 12/24 rings tall)
New booster stand workded on Wide bay work during the night (welding?) S21 tank section finally being scrapped; tank section cut off thrust section Coil of stainless steel delivered Work on new tent behind wide bay continued LR11000X moved to B7, load spreader still attached B4 transport stand worked on B7 aft section worked on with an unknown orange part of equipment Columns for starfactory have gone up |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[188] |
| 14.04.2022 | B8 methane tank section rolled out and moved into mid bay again; B8 LOX section moved out of mid bay
PPS earth and concrete work near entrance to rocket garden B5 stand and aft section worked on Unknown part transported by SPMT Wide bay work continued B8 common dome and aft #2 section outside high bay (8 rings tall stack); moved into high bay later Old COPV aerocover seen at production site S24 tank section worked on in mid bay New flat dome placed on sleeving stand (the third one made overall, according to NSF still a pathfinder); 2-ring sleeve sleeved on dome New tent going up at production site Coil of stainless steel moved B7 work on QD area B7 transport stand (with alignment pins) placed on two SPMTs B7 cryo proof test on structural test stand, possibly also hydraulic thrust test; ice formed on both tanks; in the second round, LOX tank got fully frosty; during this test, the CH4 transfer tube likely collapsed or was damaged |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[189] |
| 13.04.2022 | Nosecone in tent 3 shown
Workers on high bay bar balcony High bay construction elevator dismantling continued Beams delivered to production site, as well as other parts, possibly for wide bay Original cargo door pathfinder (5-ring nc barrel) shown Mystery parts (curved boxes with SpaceX logo and windows) delivered to production site, unknown purpose, interior yet to be finished Tanker trucks deliveries to OLS tank farm, some ventings B7 some sort of white felt near its aft section Chopsticks worked on, especially on the stabilisation pin arms B7 ambient proof test (pneumatic test) on structural test stand late night [vid 14] |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[190] |
| 12.04.2022 | Tanker truck deliveries to OLS tank farm
B5 worked on at PPS, especially near stand and aft section plumbing S25 5-ring nosecone barrel section spotted in frotn of tent New flat dome got rectangular section cut out [pahtfinder?], then moved away (for scrapping); according to NSF it was the second flat dome that was built New structure beginning to be assembled (rings on pistons?) at build site, unknown purpose S25 nosecone barrel stiffener removed, then moved into wind break (low bay) Old cargo door pathfinder (5-ring nosecone barrel) with cut in dispenser hole seen at high bay S24 nosecone still attached to crane in high bay Third flat dome shown in front tent S25 aft section spotted in tent Wide bay work continued, more beams lifted into place on top level High bay elevator removal work continued Hwy 4 work next to production stie continued Deliveries to production site Wall building work at production site next to cate B3 continued Payload bay pathfinder rolled into high bay (spotted after a long time) B7 ambient pressure test, (inspected by bird), tank farm active; pressure release through all vents at common and fwd dome |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[191] |
| 11.04.2022 | OLM work continued, parts lifted onto it
B7 work around QD as preparation for testing OLS tank farm deliveries by tanker trucks B4 transport stand worked on Earth work at SoLS pad B near SN20/S20 Hwy 4 road work next to production site continued Wide bay work continued Wall building work continued at production! site with sun pannel installation -Roberts road—Hangar X: exterior walls to extensions completed, concrete work progressed; northern wall now completely pannelled with glass; delivery area complete with large concrete pad; door possibly for fairing halves—OLIT progression: third and fourth sections being built deep dive into this by Zack Golden, concrete foundations for four more sections nearly complete—Starship Factory: Pile drilling operations likely complete; ground clearing underway for possible high/wide bay—Retention pond excavations continued on western side -Pad 39 A: --Concrete work on OLIT base has begun, still some rebar seen—Work on old hydrogen storage sphere, possibly for use with LCH4, subcoolers have been installed next to it [2 out of 4!!] --LOX subcoolers spotted on the opposite side of the complex (where previous starship OLM was planned and partially built in 2019 and removed in October 2020) |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[192] |
| 10.04.2022 | Tank trucker deliveries to OLS tank farm
B7 testing preparation work continued via work platform and access hole, GSE lines connected to QD plate Booster methane transfer tube delivered, unloaded Wide bay work continued New smaller dome spotted (flat dome) |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[193] |
| 09.04.2022 | S24 nosecone attached to high bay bridge crane, stacked onto payload section [nc barrel section]
B7 detached from LR11000X, preparations for testing on structural test stand, hooked up to GSE; work platform erected near it SN20/S20 all 4 flight recorders removed, two before the move to SoLS pad B, two after the move |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
see below |
| 08.04.2022 | S24 lifted in high bay by bridge crane [stacking?], later tank section left high bay towards mid bay
S24 nosecone detached from crane in front of ten 3, later moved to high bay Booster load spreader attached to LR11000X B7 attached to LR11000X, QD retracted, destacked from OLM and placed onto structural test stand [ex can crusher] Tracking station tracked the Ax-1 mission [Axiom] High bay construction elevator removed as a permanent elevator has been installed inside the high bay S24 worked on in mid bay, CH4 transfer tube lifted and installed; payload section [nosecone barrel section] moved to high bay via hwy 4 McGregor: Raptor Vacuum Test |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[194] |
| 07.04.2022 | OLM work continued, new lines added
Hydraulic gantry assembled over structural test stand at OLS to lift it off the steel legs; after lift taken down Launch site wall work continued, new wall panels added S24 nosecone work continued Ship transfer tube spotted at launch site New crane tracks delivered to production site/PPS, old ones moved away Domes moved to scrap yard [one with new design?] Wide bay construction work continued QD arm retracted and chopsticks lifted during a test, rotated at the top SN20/S20 moved next to SoLS pad B, reason unknown LR11000X picked up load spreader, moved to OLM for potential B7 lift Cape: Three columns of third OLIT segment for LC-39A now vertical Kyle Montgomery |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[195] |
| 06.04.2022 | B7/OLM worked on; LOX tank hatch installed on B7
S20 worked on [small aerocovers removed] Deliveries to launch site [B7] Booster transport stand work continued, especially on alignment pin Launch site wall work continued, see through panels and some beams removed GSE plumbing removed and lowered from OLIT, new GSE plumbing delivered and lifted on OLIT Hydraulig gantry parts delivered to launch site [what for?] Booster header tank loaded onto a truck Ship thrust puck hoisted (pipes already installed) Robotic wielder spotted in high bay Wide bay work continued, more beams lifted, roof construction has started (not on the very top) Hwy 4 road work next to starbase sign Ship QD arm disconnect moved back to the launch site, close up showing the details of pins, connections, and cameras on the QD plate Foundation work at rocket garden S24 nosecone TPS tiles work continued Tent 3 S24 fwd dome section B8 LOX tank has been moved into mid bay recently [RGV aerial] US Army corps of engineers: Boca Chica site expansion plan application from 2021 has been withdrawn due to lack of documentation from SpaceX |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[196] |
| 05.04.2022 | S24 aft section removed from B8 aft section after fit check of stage separation system
Fwd dome section spotted in tent 3, likely for S24 [??] Raptor engine delivered to production site S24 LOX tank section (midlox and cmn dome) moved from mid bay to high bay, attached to crane Wide bay construction work continued, more beams lifted into place Booster header tank domes spotted at production site Booster aft dome sleeve moved out of tent 1; flipped Booster aft dome with cap moved onto sleeving stand [B7] transport stand worked on, especially on the alignment pins; Pins have been removed from B4 stand to B7 stand Ship QD arm: Ship QD plate and piping attached to LR11000X and removed Launch site wall building work continued Chopsticks worked on S24 sections stacked and welded together in high bay (midlox and cmn dome onto thrust section) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[197] |
| 04.04.2020 | Ship aft section moved into tent 3 by a crane (likely S25 aft section)
B7 has been disconnected form LR11000X; briefly hooked to it again and unhooked shortly after; B7 connected to booster QD on OLM SoLS tank farm LN2 deliveries [Can we expect testing at SoLS to restart soon?] OLS tank farm: subcoolers active Alignment pins from B4 transport stand removed and installed on B7 transport stand LR11000X moved away from OLM and B7 B7 vented from fwd dome vents ahead of cryo proof test B7 first cryo proof test, both tanks fully frosted up at the nearly same pace (CH4 tank frost reaching the top faster); during the filling process, the cmn dome vents constantly vented for short periods; venting stopped for ~1min, then LOX tank filling continued and reached top after some time; detanking started soon after that; later in the night, RCS cmn dome vents and fwd dome vents depress vented and frost/condensation started to reappear shortly after decreasing fully and final full depress vents Wide bay construction work continued, more beams lifted; second bridge crane has been installed as well S24 aft section moved to high bay, and stacked onto B8 fwd section SPMT rolled down hwy 4 Starship methane transfer tube delivered (with anti-vortex device) Booster header tank domes delivered to production site |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[198] |
| 03.04.2022 | OLS tank farm: GSE piping worked on at CH4 site, LN2 tank vented; heat exchanger moved
Common dome section (Scrap, see vid 04) spotted on a transport stand in front of tent 1 S24 nosecone moved out of tent 3; two-three nosecone barrel sections being worked on in tent 3 with TPS tiles being installed [S25, S26... ?] Booster header tank spotted in tents B8 work in high bay continued, weld cleaned while the tank got rotated Wide bay: Bridge crane lifted into place and installed on girders B7 attached to booster QD on OLM |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[199] |
| 02.04.2022 | Wide bay: Work continued; bridge crane part (white) moved; first bridge crane girder lifted and installed; second bridge crane girder lifted onto the rail and installed, followed by third, SpaceX custom design; fourth girder lifted
B8 common dome section moved in front of high bay, LOX tank vents seen; lifted onto aft #2 section (LOX tank now 8/24 rings tall) Raptor engine nr 59 spotted in storage B7 attached to LR11000X, QD hood on OLM closed, B7 lifted onto OLM by LR11000X (not by chopstics as some have expected, and not on structural test stand as others expected), a lot of engine attachment point hardware visible; chopsticks slightly rotated towards booster B7 transport stand moved from OLP to booster storage area |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[200] |
| 01.04.2022 | OLIT work continued
Wide bay: More beams lifted into place for roof level; wall work on level 6&7 continued S24 nosecone TPS tile installation nearing completion B8 aft tank #2 section (4-ring, no lead-ins) attached to crane and moved into high bay OLS tank farm LN2 loudspeaker tank vented B7 work on aft section/transport stand; detached from LR11000X and load spreader (reason unknown) B7 rolled over to OLM, LR11000X rotated towards B7; Chopsticks turned out of the way; LR11000X attached to B7 at 20:38 |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[201] |
March 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.03.2022 | OLS tank farm deliveries (propellant / LN2)
OLM work continued B7 rolled out from high bay to launch site during early morning road closure, followed by a flood light car; later attached to LR11000X B7 work continued around aft section/transport stand ahead of possible lift; according to NSF, the "chines are aerodynamic surfaces that increase the Booster's crossrange when returning to the launch site", they also cover COPVs SPMT returned to production site Part of a new booster transport stand delivered to production site S24 nosecone TPS tiles work continued Common dome section placed on sleeving stand (already sleeved with a 1.5 ring sleeve!) Building work next to high bay continued NSF update on design changes as part of the continues iterative approach on Starship: -S20 (first complete heat shield) is functionally out of date as it can only be launched on B4 and possibly B5 -B4 first booster with 29 engines, engine shields, aerocovers, grid fins...; but out of date as well -Naming conventions for barrel sections: Quint, Quad, Triple, Double, Single (according to number of rings, each 6 ft tall) -Starship (old/new layout): 20 rings + nosecone; aft section (5/4), mid LOX section (4/4), cmn some section (3/4), fwd dome section (4/3), nc barrel section (4/5) --Aft: ship QD moved from second to third ring, possibly for shorter plumbing or more space for 3 additional Rvac engines; nobs and holes for booster/ship integration reversed: since S22 and B7, holes are on booster (negative side) and nobs on ship (positive side); new aft domes with redesigned thrust puck for Raptor 2s—Mid LOX: same but sits one ring lower—Common dome section: Methane header tank removed (to nosecone); new main LOX tank vents to be the same as ullage thruster vents on booster, possibly also for attitude control and possibly nosecone RCS thruster—Fwd dome section: Shortened, giving one ring to nosecone [tank sizes remain the same, as dome is now welded higher] --Nc barrel: now quint, possibly to facilitate cargo door manufacturing, first one seen on S24, including dispenser mechanism—Nosecone: 4 to 2 rows of panels; methane header tank to be included; S24 nosecone under construction has two header tank vents and no RCS thrusters—Domes with flatter design—Not yet seen but announced: Fwd flap design, streched tank section, increased raptor engine numbers -Booster: improvements in order to optimize the dry mass, as well as reduction of landing propellant amount—Thrust section: B3, B4, B5 had three standard 1.8m/6 ft ring; B7 thrust section has four 1.4m/4.5 ft rings, stringers now extended all the way down; B7+ will support Raptor 2 engines (vs B4 V1.5 engines) --Header tanks: B5 had a long tube tank on the side of the LOX tank; B7 has new design that is located in the middle and encloses the transfer tube (coaxial tank); new transfer tubes with plate that has three holes (likely for providing landing LOX for center 3 engines) --Pressurization lines: B4, B5 had 4 lines for each tank; B7 only two per tank—Aerosurfaces: B7 has new COPVs arrangement (2 vertical columns instead of horizontal ring); covered by "nominal" sections, forming chines (dual purpose: protect COPVs, additional cross sectional surface area - additional cross range, extra drag and reduced approach velocity |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[202] |
| 30.03.2022 | OLS tank farm work continued; wall work continued
Three Raptor 2 engines delivered and moved into a production tent OLS: work on the new fence building continued OLM work on booster QD New nosecone barrel section (5-ring) spotted outside tents Haas VM-6-High-Performance VMC delivered ("This can be used to machine metal parts on site") 3-ring barrel section moved in front of tent 1 B8 CH4 tank stacking continued in high bay; stacked onto fwd section #4, now 13/13 rings tall |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[203] |
| 29.03.2022 | B7 moved inside high bay, now at its entrance
OLM work continued, also on booster QD OLS tank farm: LOX delivery; work on new tank farm wall continued rapidly, top covers added at the western segment SPMT power back transported at launch site Structural test stand (can cursher) work continued at launch site, more parts added; configured for 33 engine booster [B7] B7 work continued around aft section S24 payload bay section / nc barrel section near the entrance of tent 3; downcomers for LOX and CH4 header tanks spotted S24 nosecone work continued on TPS tiles PPS work on propellant production plant |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[204] |
| 28.03.2022 | Ship QD panel worked on on QD arm
OLS tank farm: work behind the wall Structural test stand worked on at launch site Zeus (boston dynamics spot dog robot) spotted at launch site B7 work at fwd dome, as well as around COPV cover Wide bay work continued Tent 3: work on a nosecone barrel section S24 tank section waiting in mid bay; nc barrel section TPS tile installation continued Construction work outside production site between tent 1 and hwy 4 PPS: Crane counterweight tray and weights loaded onto an SPMT |
NSF
Mary Nic |
see below |
| 27.03.2022 | OLS tank farm: LOX delivered
Cape: OLIT base rebar and concrete panels installed at LC-39A; second OLIT segment completed at roberts roads Pete Carstens |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[205] |
| 26.03.2022 | Wide bay construction work continued, first additional wall panel for level 7 has been added (likely yesterday)
S24 nosecone TPS tiles got tape around flap OLS tank farm: loudspeeker tank venting Launch site fence section got removed (the one at the main entrance with Gate D2 sign) Yellow and red crane parts transported away from launch site |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[206] |
| 25.03.2022 | OLS tank farm: wall construction progressed rapidly
B4 transport stand alignment pins not engaged New booster QD plate delivered and unloaded at launch site for booster QD; B7's QD design is different from B4 Structural test stand worked on at launch site LR11000X moved away from OLM B7 disconnected from high bay crane, moved out of high bay and rolled back in later, moved out again B8 fwd tank section #4 moved into high bay (4-ring) B7 moved back into high bay again Wide bay work continued, wall panels on level 6 being added Chopstick rotated south and lowered FAA: "The FAA intends to issue the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the SpaceX Starship / Super Heavy project on April 29, 2022." Michael Baylor |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[207] |
| 24.03.2022 | B4 lifted off OLM by LR11000X and placed onto transport stand
Wide bay: wall panels installation continued on level 6 S24 nc barrel TPS installation progress shown including cut out for potential cargo door, lifted by a crane and moved; work on nosecone B4 disconnected from LR11000X crane and moved away towards Landing pad / SoLS [vid 25] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[208] |
| 23.03.2022 | B4 attached to LR11000X ahead of possible lift from OLM; transport stand being prepared; booster QD retracted slowly
OLM: new steel side parts welded to a leg, likely for future plumbing covers Chopsticks worked on Launch site: flexible pipes being worked on S24 nosecone barrel section TPS work contineud, as well as on nosecone in tent 3 Wide bay work continued, construction elevator in use inside wide bay Air conditioning unit lifted into place at PPS Dome segments (new design) outside tents on a cart New booster thrust puck at production site (delivered recently) NASA: NASA has selected Starship for an additional mission to the Moon with astronauts as part of the Artemis program |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[209] |
| 22.03.2022 | S24 nosecone barrel: TPS blankets and its black net covering being workded on, first TPS tiles being added
Booster fwd dome lifted onto sleeving stand [B9/B10/B11?, same as on March 20?], sleeved with flipped fwd dome sleeve (likely the one from March 20, 3-ring) after it rolled out of tent 1 again B7.1 barrel sleeve "Aft dome barrel assy" (4-ring) moved towards sleeving stand, apparently for a new test tank Production site concrete work Wide bay: level 5 and 6 wall panel work continued Thrust puck for future booster delivered Booster test stand with hydraulics moved to launch site by two SPMTs (lower part of can crusher/structural test stand); moved to cryo station, possibly for B4 testing Booster load spreader bar attached to LR11000X, possibly to lift B4 off OLM; crane moved towards B4 OLS tank farm: new plumbing prepared Booster transport stand worked on and prepared at launch site (the one with the alignment pins), moved to OLS next to B4 by new SpaceX SPMTs Chopsticks opened |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[210] |
| 21.03.2022 | B7 grid fins in front of S25 mid-LOX barrel section
S24 in mid bay Booster aft section with header tank spotted in tents [B?] B7: crew work on platform at cmn dome, chine moved B9 fwd dome flipped B4 propellant load test with CH4 [?] |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[211] |
| 20.03.2022 | B7: chines installed: aerocovers for the vertical COPVs
New booster fwd dome spotted in tent [B9?] New ship common dome in front of tents [new design] New booster comn dome section moved out of tent 1 (4-ring, sleeved), ullage vents preinstalled [B8/B9?]; attached to flipping jig, flipped Wide bay: more beams lifted onto top level (roof level), second half of the roof structure beginning to be built SN20/S20 detached and moved away from chopsticks OLS tank farm: LOX deliveries New booster fwd dome [B9/B10?] lifted onto sleeving stand New booster fwd dome sleeve [B9/B10?] moved outside tent 1, prepared for flipping |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[212] |
| 19.03.2022 | OLM work continued
OLS tank farm: LOX and LN2 deliveries; GSE piping work continued at landing pad loading area; wall construction continued westwards Production sit consturction S24? nosecone barrel section with payload dispenser: white thermal blankets being installed Scrap ship common dome in front tent 1 Booster header tank lifted [B8/B9?] and moved into tent 2? QD arm: ship QD retracted from SN20/S20, then arm retracted away from ship ahead of destacking Starship 4/20: S20 destacked from B4 by chopsticks, road remained open for the first time Cape: OLIT segment 2 nearly finished [Ryan Bale] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[213] |
| 18.03.2022 | Booster header tank still outside tents (for LOX) [B8/B9?]
Wide bay construction work continued: level 5 walls, top level beams 4-ring nosecone barrel section in front of tent 3 as well Booster COPV aerocover at production site Starship 4/20 [B4/S20] propellant load testing; OLS tank fram active; unlike a cryo proof test, wher only LN2 is used, here the tanks got filled with propellant (CH4/LOX); B4 LOX and CH4 tanks got frosty, followed by S20 tanks, only partially filled (0.5-2 rings); drone observed the test SPMT moved around rocket garden / PPS |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[214] |
| 17.03.2022 | Starship 4/20 cryo proof test continued
OLS tank farm: some venting from vent stack; work on plumbing in front 5 CH4 tanks; LN2 delivery Work on one of the tracking dishes near Gate C2 OLM work continued, new metal part has been added on top of the coverings, welding work Booster header tank outside tents [B8/B9?] Entrance building work continued behind high bay and Stargate [?] SpaceX SPMTs being assembled Booster fwd dome sleeve in a tent SN8 forward flap spotted at Brownsville Airport being displayed Cape: Second OLIT segment two columns installed at roberts road FAA: PEA endangered species act consultation and section 106 review pushed to March 27 Michael Baylor |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPAdre |
[215] |
| 16.03.2022 | Crane moved into tent 1
Ship aft section flipped (4-ring) [inside visible, new design], moved into tent 2 [add: S25] New flatter dome design visible again Wide bay: more preassembled roof beams lifted and installed; z-beams lifted as well; First of 2 upper floor and roof main support trusses installed Tracking station: dishes lowered S22: red tape added on TPS tiles around aft flap Work on structural test stand at PPS Launch site: hydraulic rams moved Cargo door prototype and S24 nosecone still outside tent 3 Ship QD/SN20/S20 work on QD arm OLM and OLIT work continued Starship 4/20 [B4, S20] cryo test [with liquid nitrogen], much venting from OLS tank farm (all areas), OLIT vent indicating cryo flow through OLIT, OLM vent, frost on B4 tanks and S20 condensation, first time ship QD active with cryo [vid 17] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[216] |
| 15.03.2022 | SN20/S20 prepared for lifting between chopsticks
OLM work continued, wooden parts removed Ship QD lines being cleaned OLS tank farm: work on GSE piping around new CH4 tanks Red crane parts delivered earlier this month now identified as Liebherr LTM 1300–6.2, at gate A2 Wide bay: New beams for roof level lifted and installed, wall levels being installed up to level 5 (of 11) New dome design outside tents SN20/S20 lifted by chopsticks onto B4 for second time, much faster than previously; third full stack; Ship QD arm extended to S20 [cont. vid 16] -Roberts Road: --Hangar X: Extension roof complete, side walls worked on, loading ramp along the wall under construction (facing parking location); expansion seems to have reached its limit; east side: wall painted black, large door entrance; Falcon 9 transporter spotted—Water tower: Hooked up to ground pipes and closed off—Berm being built to separate the Starship yard and the rest of the facility—Retention pond began to be constructed at the west end of facility—OLIT: First segment being constructed, 3 columns are up on construction stand, cross beams added; 5th beam ready for second segment; 5th foundation for segment now complete [add: NSF speculation that this would be enough turned out to be incorrect] --Starship yard/factory: Progress on ground work, especially on pile drilling (holes filled with rebar and concrete); 6 east to west rows of piles (12 per row) have already been completed on northern side; half way done with seventh row; concrete yet missing -Pad 39 A: --OLIT base: concrete poured around the base of four support pillars; large crane next to it—Two propellant tanks (spotted on NSF fleet cam on March 7) now placed at new fuel farm next to the Falcon ramp (old 2019 Starship foundation) --Hydrogene sphere work continued; potentially for CH4 storage (usable storage capacity: 3218m3, compared to 2395m3 full stack Starship CH4 volume) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[217] |
| 14.03.2022 | SN20/S20 now at chopsticks, chopsticks closed in later
Ship QD vented early morning at 5:32 Ship QD extended (although SN20/S20 not yet stacked) Launch site weather station work continued Wide bay construction continued: first level 11 beams preassembled and lifted by LR11000 (for final roof level, no wall panels installed yet); followed by second one; more beams added on lower levels for outside support structure Booster barrel section (3-ring) moved Deliveries to production site Production site: Concrete work New black SPMTs delivered! S24 nosecone now outside tent!; fwd flaps have been installed Road closed at 14:13, sheriff left at 14:54 again |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[218] |
| 13.03.2022 | B4 transport stand moved from under chopsticks to landing pad
Chopsticks raised early morning, lowered afterwards Ship common dome scrap, booster aft section prepared for flipping Booster aft section (4-ring) flipped; header tank part visible (with three-engine pipe outlets!) [B8/B9?] OLM work contineud LN2 delivered to OLS tank farm GSE piping delivered to OLS tank farm New booster transport stand shown at launch site Crew worked on a weather station SN20/S20 moved away from cryo pad and OLIT SPMT counterweights adjusted SN20/S20 moved to chopsticks [vid 14] |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[219] |
| 12.03.2022 | B8 stacking started: fwd dome section lifted and stacked on another 3-ring section (LCH4 tank now 6/13 rings)
B4 one grid fin has moved/turned a bit New building work along launch site wall continued, more beams installed LR11000X moved towards OLS QD arm, more parts removed by LR11000X; crane moved away from OLS after that Unknown parts spotted at launch site Starship factory: Foundation work next to tent 3 continued, concrete being poured S24 Nosecone tent 3: TPS tiles installation nearly complete Chopsticks lifted; ship QD arm retracted from B4 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[220] |
| 11.03.2022 | QD arm: parts of second claw uninstalled as well and lowered by LR11000X
B8 fwd section moved into high bay to start with stacking B7 work through access hole near the weld Wide bay: construction continued, wall panels being fixed, some level 5 panels have been installed S24 still in mid bay S24 nosecone barrel with payload dispenser: work continued on TPS blanket LR11000X moved at OLS Chopsticks connector bar delivered to OLS Booster transport stand (new one) moved to launch site, concrete pad next to the circular tank; OLIT two beams erected and cross beams installed; new tower pads nearly complete; HangarX building extension towards pond nearly covered; Starship factory foundation work continued LabPadre Florida update: Water storage near completion at Roberts road NASA document: Artemis HLS mission plan updated, new images; depot Starship is shown to be 6 rings longer than regular tanker Starship (687m3 extra volume) HLS: NASA has released images of astronauts training on a HLS Starship elevator for future Artemis Moon landings. Toby Li |
NSF
Mary LabPadre Scuba Toby Li |
[221] |
| 10.03.2022 | B7 CH4 tank section moved into high bay, stacked onto LOX section at 12:47 am; grid fins still missing
S25 aft dome spotted, lifted onto sleeving stand; sleeved with 4-ring sleeve [flipped yesterday]; lifted of stand Wide bay: Staircase consturction behind high bay continued; bracing installed (connection above the future entrance) Payload bay pathfinder (not same as S24 nosecone barrel section?!) B9 common dome sleeve (4-ring, RCS/ullage vents upside down) moved out of tent S24 nosecone barrel section: TPS tile blankets added; another 5-ring section behind it B9 common dome lifted onto sleeving stand, sleeved with common dome sleeve, lifted off sleeving stand and moved back into tent Transfer tubes moved to scrapyard Hwy4 road work continued OLS, OLIT: rails inspected on movable work platform QD arm work, one of the claws (stabilization arm) removed and lowered by LR11000X Beam structure has been erected next to launch site entrance (behind the new entrance building) SN20/S20 work through access hole, fan used Work on loudspeaker tank at OLS tank farm |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[222] |
| 09.03.2022 | Chopsticks work continued
QD arm work continued SpaceX LR11000X fitted with new rigging, connected to one of the QD stabilization arms Booster transport stand (old) moved towards production site S25 aft dome sleeve prepared for flipping (4-ring), flipped B4 vented (fwd dome depress vents) B7 LOX tank lifted onto booster transport sand McGregor: Raptor Vac engine test on horizontal test stand for about 0m02s?; first time with water deluge system |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[223] |
| 08.03.2022 | Chopsticks tested (went to the top, opened, closed, moved, went down again, accompanied by drone)
B8 common dome section (4-ring) at scrap yard LOX truck to lunch site More red Liebherr crane parts delivered Wide bay work continued on lower levels, wall panels being added, elevator installation continued, stair construction continued behind high bay Dome sleeving stand modifications continued: New and differently shaped alignment jigs, possibly for differently shaped domes B6? header tank scrapped Booster fwd dome worked on at production site outside tents New booster transport stand underwent testing (pins lifted and lowered by hydraulics) OLS, OLIT: tower rails being worked on Road work on hwy4 in front of OLS Ship common dome section spotted in a tent New nosecone spotted in tent 3 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[224] |
| 07.03.2022 | B7 rotated in high bay
OLM work continued Road work on hwy4 continued Potential payload dispenser installed in nosecone barrel section believed to be S24 OLS tank farm: work around CH4 tanks QD arm moved (retracted away from B4) Wide bay: stair section lifted into it B7 in high bay: arrangement of COPVs has changed from a ring around aft section to two vertical columns Absorption columns that left Sanchez 2 weeks ago have arrived at Port Canaveral at 9:42am EST |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre WLAnimal |
[225] |
| 06.03.2022 | S24 noseceone, fwd dome section, thrust section in tent; S25 common dome section/segment and another nosecone spotted in same tent
5-ring nosecone barrel section work continued S22 work continued at PPS Red crane parts delivered to production site Work on new booster transport stand; old booster transport stand moved outside bay area by SPMT B8 fwd tank #2 (3-ring) spotted ("goes directly underneath the forward dome section") Dome cap delivered to production site Wide bay work continued; installation of a construction lift B8? fwd dome section spotted LCH4 delivered to OLS tank farm, as well as LOX OLM work continued Deimos oil rig arrived at Port Pascagoula, Mississippi |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[226] |
| 05.03.2022 | Booster fwd section spotted near other sections, another one in a tent
B7 aft section with a new design spotted at tent entrance: different QD plate and addition of a header tank!!, rolled out and moved towards high bay Counterweights moved by SPTM New booster transport stand still at PPS Utility work next to Starbase sign / hwy4 S25? common dome section in tent B7 tank section (which one?) lifted and moved in high bay; LOX section stacked onto thrust section, both tanks now fully stacked OLM work continued; work on booster QD |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[227] |
| 04.03.2022 | Ship cmn and aft dome, booster fwd and cmn dome lying around outside tents
Parts for structural test stand lifted into place Wide bay: construction continued, more z-beams lifted into place Dome sleeving stand being modified B7 grid fins spotted, not painted black (yet?) Work on GSE7 outside cable OLM work SN20/S20 work through access hole Flexible pipe near methane offloading site at OLS tank farm; CH4 delivery Parts delivered to OLS B7 work in high bay Damaged CH4 tank (truck) towed away (Stabilis) Florida; Cape: First section for OLM at LC-39A at KSC spotted![228] Elon Musk: "SpaceX reprioritized to cyber defense & overcoming signal jamming. Will cause slight delays in Starship & Starlink Block 2."[229] McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on horizontal test stand for about 0m33s?; multiple very bright flashes at the end |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[230] |
| 03.03.2022 | Tracking station: one dish used for Starlink 4–9
S22 single TPS tile attached Wide bay: Work continued (more beams lifted) LR11000 (Buckner) modifications continued, has now a double jib mast Ship aft dome with new design spotted along with booster fwd and common dome Stainless steel tube (possibly methane transfer) spotted OLS tank farm: work around CH4 site continued; LOX deliveries LR11000 lifted its boom and jib partially; followed by complete lift later Masey's Gun Range [Massey's gun range]: First structure (a tent) began construction SN20/S20 cryo proof test, LOX tank fully filled, followed by CH4 tank (likely fully as well) Cape: OLIT tower jigs assembled, new tank spotted at roberts road facility Farrielle |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[231] |
| 02.03.2022 | B4 cryo test continued, LOX tank fully filled, CH4 partially, huge depress vents; loudspeaker vertical LN2 vent continued long in the morning; OLIT vented again
Chopsticks lowered SoLS pad A upgrading work Booster aft dome sleeve (4-ring) in front of tents, aft dome on sleeving stand, workers wrap up extending pipes for engines with plastic bags; aft dome sleeved [B8/B9?] S24 nosecone TPS tiles work continued S22 work at rocket garden/PPS continued around aft flaps Wide bay work continued (wall panels being added on level 3&4) Buckner LR11000 upgrade work continued Ship wfd dome moved away from tents, ship aft dome moved into tents Booster fwd section near high bay [B8?] SPMT transported ballast from PPS LR11000X laid down at 11:25 and gone back up later, reason unknown Star Factory at Boca Chica: Foundatiion work looking very far in progress; building is expected to be over 300'ooo sq ft by 60' tall and will replace all the large production tents [RGV] -Roberts road: Expansion continued, including the area for possible new Starship construction yard; two rusted feet spotted for building and transporting the OLIT segments, first pillar already delivered, together with some cross beams; ground pipes built that end near the tower construction area, ending in three concret squares (similar to PPS for data connections); large white tank, possibly for water, added onto circular gravel pad next to tower construction pad; hangar X work continued, roof beams in place, roof beginning to be added, parking space complete; levelling and drilling of holes for future Starship production buildings -LC39A: Earth work continued near OLIT area, different lines being worked on McGregor: Raptor 2 engine tests: -on tripod test stand for about 0m07?s; -on horizontal test stand for about 0m30s -on horizontal test stand for about 0m01s |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre RGV |
[232] |
| 01.03.2022 | OLS tank farm: LOX delivery
Booster aft dome, ship common dome and booster fwd dome at tent area S22 aft flap work continued Wide bay work continued, more beams lifted to top levels LR11000 main boom reassembled Chopsticks moved B4 cryo test, both tanks frosted up, whole OLS tank farm active; OLIT was venting as well (although ship QD not active) [cont. vid 02] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[233] |
February 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28.02.2022 | S24 tank section [cmn + midlox stack] in high bay; moved to mid bay early morning
Wide bay: level 2-4 wall segments completion continued; more beams lifted into place at the top LR11000 parts delivered; derrick installed; counterweights loaded onto a SPMT, moved to production site Booster fwd dome section spotted in a tent S22 work through fwd hatch continued at PPS Load spreader that has been used for lifting wide bay segments loaded onto truck for departure Dirt work outside production site Ship aft flap waiting to be offloaded at production sit Booster fwd section moved out of tent Pedestals delivered OLM work continued OLS tank farm: CH4 wall work continued; concrete pumped into forms Deimos left port of Brownsville for Pascagoula, Mississippi, possibly for transformation work Florida KSC: First OLIT parts (columns) spotted to be delivered McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on horizontal test stand for about 0m10s [captured live as well] |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre Trevor Mahlmann |
[234] |
| 27.02.2022 | Buckner LR11000 modification work underway; complete boom reconfigured
B8 common dome seen OLS tank farm: Wall work completion continued; CH4 truck waited at production site for delivery New booster transport stand spotted at PPS; new guiding pins have been installed on both sides SoLS: compressed nitrogen truck; LN2 delivery |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[235] |
| 26.02.2022 | S22 work through access hole
Wide bay: more beams being added LR11000 boom lowered, possibly for extension, new crane parts moved to production site OLS tank farm: work at CH4 recondenser, concrete work at the brick and concrete wall that surrounds the CH4 site |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[236] |
| 25.02.2022 | Crane mats removed from under LR11000X
OLS tank farm: Wall work around CH4 tanks continued (briks); LN2 delivery OLM work continued Crane parts delivered for LR11000 which is likely to get an upgrade Wide bay work continued on level 2 and level 3 wall panels Build rig, likely for domes, delivered CH4 truck at production site S24 common dome section stacked and welded on LOX section in high bay |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[237] |
| 24.02.2022 | OLS tank farm: Methane tanks delivered yesterday now lifted into place next to the other larger two; third smaller (fifth in total) white horizontal tank moved to OLS tank farm by SPMT, followed by fourth and fifth (total seven); all five smaller CH4 tanks lfted into place
QD arm rapid retractio test at 15:04:30 More new LR11000 parts delivered Wide bay: fourth corner segment lifted to level 9&10 -Roberts road: 67 acres large site; Hangar X expansion continued, second expansion started towards ponds; circular pad poured and filled with gravel next to OLIT construction foundations, purpose unclear; six new pad foundations for OLIT construction being worked on, and rusty steel parts spotted for building the segments; large rectangular pad now levelled for proposed 32000 ft2 facility for Starship construction (192000 ft2 expansion also proposed in phase 2), piles prepared for foundation -LC39A: 4 large propellant tanks delivered for Starship pad, last week they were at the turn basin; no work on mobile service tower yet for Falcon payload integration; possible cut-outs in liquid hydrogen sphere; some earth work near future OLM pad -LC49: No work yet, environmental review in progress HLS: NASA's Mark Kirasich: All three HLS teams assembled low fidelity mockups during the last 10 months. SpaceX also assembled and demonstrated their Starship elevator concept “in a very short period of time." Stephen Clark |
NSF
Mary LabPadre Stephen Clark |
[238] |
| 23.02.2022 | S22 wor continued (especially TPS tiles) during the night
OLS tank farm work continued (e.g. around new CH4 foundations, concrete work beginning at 02:28 am); LN2 and CH4 deliveries LR11000X crane moved towards OLS; parts delivered; Two long white horizontal methane (CH4) tanks moved from PPS to OLS OLIT and chopsticks work continued; as well as on OLM S24? nosecone TPS tiles work continued in tent 3 Wide bay: Fourth and last segment of level 9&10(5) connected to LR11000, disconnected again; more beams lifted SN15, S22 and SN16 at rocket garden |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[239] |
| 22.02.2022 | Booster transport stand moved to build site on SPMT
LN2 delivery to OLS tank farm OLS tank farm: wall construction work continued around CH4 tanks OLS, IT (OLIT): work on movable platforms Wide bay: more beams and parts delivered New crane parts for LR11000 (Buckner owned crane, possibly reconfiguration) S22 TPS tile work on aft flap at PPS, received aft aerocaps New ship fwd flap delivered to production site Ship nosecone barrel section assembled in high bay S24 nosecone TPS tile work continued in tent 3 Bridge crane hook blocks mixed with some LR11000 parts SN20/S20 and OLS tank farm cryo proof test, CH4 heat exchangers frosty, as well as LOX and partly CH4 tanks on Ship McGregor: Two Raptor 2 engine tests on tripod test stand for about 0m09s and one for about 0m2.5s |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[240] |
| 21.02.2022 | LOX deliveries continued
S24 nosecone work continued, especially on TPS tiles B6 test tank disconnected Transport stand moved at PPS by SPMT Nosecone barrel section moved outside tent 3, possibly for a new cargo door prototype 4-ring section outside high bay; moved into high bay Booster methane transfer tube delivered; new transfer tube design than previously seen on other boosters Pedestals delivered to build site Wide bay work on lower levels; LR11000 still attached to third top level segment; new beams delivered S24 nosecone in tent 3 TPS tile work continued; a ship thrust section next to it OLS: earth work continued for CH4 extension |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[241] |
| 20.02.2022 | Wide bay: Second corner segment of level 9/10 lifted by LR11000 and installed, rigging uninstalled; connected to third segment, lifted
S22 outside high bay; moved to rocket garden (PPS) between SN15 and SN16 LCH4 deliveries to OLS tank farm OLM work continued B8 common dome section moved out of high bay (destacked, likely to be scrapped [see: [242]) |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[243] |
| 19.02.2022 | Chopstick test continued; lowered later that day
B8 common dome section lifted in high bay and stacked OLS tank farm work continued; concrete work next to CH4 tanks (completing new foundations for new CH4 tanks); vertical cryogenic process pump installed at LOX side of OLS tank farm, more have been delivered LN2 deliveries to OLS tank farm Ship flap deliviered to build site S22 moved out of high bay; flap installed; moved into high bay and out again B6 test tank lifted at PPS Wide bay: Staircase construction continued behind high bay LNG (Liquid natural gas) purification stack removed from Boca Chica Entrance building behind high bay construction continued, roof added Booster aft caps spotted on a stand Absorption column (second one) left Starbase at 09:02 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[244] |
| 18.02.2022 | B4 cryo proof testing on OLM, LOX tank fully filled (frosty); methane subcoolers frosted up
B8 stacking began in high bay; 4-ring section lifted by bridge crane; aft tank #2 (4-ring section) moved into high bay, lifted and stacked; B8 common dome section (4-ring with ullage vents below stringers) outside high bay Wide bay: second level 9/10(5) corner segment attached to LR11000; more beams delivered LCH4 deliveries continued First of several smaller LCH4 tanks moved from PPS to OLS tank farm [looks like half] QD arm moved away from B4 (retracted) First absorption column left Starbase at 9:35am Chopsticks raised to the top of OLIT McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on horizontal test stand for about 1m42s McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on tripod test stand, duration unknown, only picture available |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[245] |
| 17.02.2022 | OLS tank farm: LCH4 (liquid methane) deliveries; venting
OLM work continued; most of the gap covers have been painted grey as well Ship section (4-ring) test fit with a booster fwd section, possibly B8 and S24; then removed again; another fit check followed [stage separation / clamp system tests] Wide bay: First segment of level 9/10(5) lifted by LR11000 and installed, there's no outside supporting structure on level 10 as this is going to be the top level; crane detached from segment; second segment attached to LR11000 B8 aft #2 section (4-ring) spotted outside high bay; being cleaned Ship load spreader moved at production site S22 has been disconnected from high bay bridge crane SN20/S20 cryo proof test at OLS cryo pad; full frost on LOX tank; venting from engine chill vents Vertical LN2 tank near bunker now called heat exchanger by NSF [the loudspeaker tank]; vented S24 nosecone TPS tiles installation continued in tent 3 [nosecone shown previous vids also S24!] Entry building next to high bay: Sidings installed Mid bay: Maintenance work on roof |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[246] |
| 16.02.2022 | SN20/S20: transport stand QD connected to S20; cryo proof test on OLS cryo pad, frost on both tanks, engine chill vents inside flaps; possibly testing the full OLS tank farm system including LCH4 side
S22 welding work continued, still connected to high bay crane Wide bay construction work continued, wall panels added to level 9/10(5) segments; first connected to LR11000 B7 [?] aft section (4-ring) spotted [possibly the number is B9, difficult to read] B2.1 and BN2.1 next to each other at PPS Foundation work next to S16 possibly for another display/storage pad [add: for S22] Nosecone in tent 3: TPS tiles applied; booster fwd dome section outside the tent S24 thrust section hooked to crane inside tent 3 S25 common dome section spotted FCC: approved SpaceX for vehicle communications for orbital test flight McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on horizontal test stand for about 0m10s; loud sonic-like boom at the start |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[247] |
| 15.02.2022 | SN20/S20 moved away from chopsticks to its cryo stand at south of the OLS tank farm
OLS tank farm: LCH4 (red label) deliveries continued, as well as LN2 (blue/green) and LOX (yellow) S22 nosecone (ex S21) welded to its tank section QD arm plumbing work continued Wathervane and anemometer (wind speed measurement) on Starhopper LR11000 lowered near wide bay for jib extension (for lifting final wide bay segments); raised again with 12m extension S21 tanks section work remains paused Wide bay level 9/10 segments preassembly continued, first wall panels being added; last parts of two wide bay bridge cranes have been spotted S25 nosecone barrel section spotted (5-ring) B8 aft #2 and aft #3 sections spotted (4-ring) Unknown parts spotted at production site (small diameter tubes?) B2.1 and B6 test tanks, as well as cargo door pathfinder shown S24 mid LOX section (4-rings with tiles) and common dome section (with tiles) and an unknown 4-ring sleeve (untiled) seen in front tents Entrance building next to (behind) high bay work continued "Nominal segments" delivered, yet unknown purpose Ship QD arm venting spotted at 19:47:10 Cape Update NSF #1 [NSF planning weekly updates from now on, covering not only SpaceX]: -Roberts Road Operations Area: Hangar X used for storage and refurbishment of Falcon 9 boosters; Hangar X is currently undergoing an extension; large amount of land being cleared as well as foundations prepared - likely for a new Starship build site 320'000 ft2 or 29'728 m2 building proposed; loading dock construction, as well as a circular structure with 9m diameter, possibly a foundation; 12 square concrete pads with the same layout at PPS for launch tower segments construction (3 segments at a time); road extension north towards Schwartz Rd, possibly for Falcon/Starship transportation -Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A: Holes visible in an old spherical liquid hydrogen tank, possibly for LCH4; 4 horizontal LCH4 tanks visible below it (bought in 2019); yellow piling crane dismantled, foundation work for Starship launch pad possibly complete -Cidco Road Facility: Today likely part of heat shield production process (not to be confused with bakery) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre Starship Gazer |
[248] |
| 14.02.2022 | Polaris program news: Jared Isaacman scheduled two flights on Crew Dragon but also one on Crewed Starship
OLS tank farm: First time venting from "mystery brown tank" at methane side Starship 4/22: SN20/S20 destacked from B4 by chopsticks during road closure (RC 10:27am, pad cleared 10:52am, road opened 2:01pm, QD arm back into position at 2:15 8:09pm detached from chopsticks); some OLS tank farm ventig ahead of destacking and ship transport stand moved into position; ship QD arm retracted for operation S21 and S22: S22 tank section moved to high bay; S21 nosecone reassigned to S22; nosecone lifted and stacked onto S22 tank section in high bay Wide bay: Work on level 9/10(5) segments (all) continued S25 fwd dome sleeve outside tents (3-ring) FAA: New target date for issuing final PEA is March 28 McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on tripod test stand for about 0m05s; smooth quieter sound |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre FAA |
[249] |
| 13.02.2022 | OLM work, some scaffolding reinstalled after presentation
OLS tank farm: First methane (LCH4, red truck sign) delivery! In total three trucks via landing pad Controlled access area sign: Pre requirements: "FR clothing, 4-Gas monitor, hard hat, safety glasses, safety work shoes. Pad site work permit is required for all work in orbital tank farm" Ship common dome [S24?] flipped (4-ring, access hole at top ring), moved into tent 1 Deliveries to production site (wrapped up) B7 methane section moved from high by into mid bay, LOX section moved inside high bay, relocated 4-ring section moved into tent 2 |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[250] |
| 12.02.2022 | Workers on QD arm
OLM/B4 work on QD Booster transport stand next to SoLS pad B Jared Isaacman's Alpha Jet flew over Boca Chica |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[251] |
| 11.02.2022 | Nosecone, ship fwd dome and nc barel section seen in tent 3
Wide bay: Wall panels continued to being added; level 3&4 nearly complete, some still missing on level 2; more beams added [add: z-girder according to RGV]; assembly of two level 9&10/5 corner segments continued (other two begun as well [vid 12]); more staircase assembly work behind high bay Bigge LR1300 crane lowered in front wide bay S22 tank section: work platform added at fwd dome section ahead of potential nosecone stacking New building at the side/behind high bay work continued, taking form; likely to be some sort of entrance building from parking space Chopsticks closed and lifted towards SN20/S20 lifting points; not yet attached Jared Isaacman's Alpha Jet flew over starbase Boca Chica OLS tank farm: Cryo proof test [see SN20 for timeline] McGregor: Three Raptor 2 engine tests: -horizontal test stand, duration unknown -tripod test stand, for about 0m05s -tripod test stand, for about 0m04s? |
NSF
Mary Nic Jack LabPadre |
[252] |
| 10.02.2022 | SN20/S20 stacking operations by chopsticks; second full starship stack
Ship QD extended and attached to SN20/S20 Work around S20/B4 interface; chopsticks stabilization arms removed from S20 Landing pad: Workers prepared stage and equipment for Elon Musk's Starship presentation Chopsticks disconnected from SN20/S20 and opened up [seen in vid 11] Elon Musk Starship presentation: -Plan to produce one Starship every 3 days -Will be capable of 100-150 tons to LEO -Tanker variant 200 tons to LEO; orbital refuelling in side-to-side configuration, expected optimistically end of 2023 -Pumps designed to fill a booster in 30 mins -TPS tiles designed to be robust and cheap -Booster thrust of 17 mio pounds of thrust -Raptor 1 185 tons of thrust, Raptor 2 230 tons, goal 250 tons; cost reduced to half and simplyfied design, flanges replaced with welds, shrouds could be removed at some point; achieved 247 tons on test stand; nominal chamber pressure of 330 bars eventually; 700 seconds burn time over multiple restarts on a single engine; one engine per day expected next month -OLIT 13 months from design to completion -FONSI expected in March -Starship could possibly be cheapest means of transport for long distance cargo transport on earth -Orbit hopefully this year -If no FONSI, delay of 6–8 months to begin launch at Cape, where they have approval to launch -Vehicle losses expected during testing -Price per launch expected less than $10 mio -Starbase as R&D hub, Cape for operational launches -Floating spaceports planned near cities -No independent abort mode on Starship, but abort may be possible in event of booster failure; Crew launches possibly underfueled for additional TWR during abort -Phobos and Deimos are low priority, plan to complete one by the end of the year |
NSF
Mary Nic Jack LabPadre |
[253] |
| 09.02.2022 | Intermittent RC for today from 1am to 9:30am
SN20/S20 has moved between the chopsticks; chopsticks moved up to lifting points, later lowered again; S20 opened aft flaps (fwd flaps already opened) QD arm work continued OLS tank farm vertical LN2 tank venting SoLS tank farm unusual venting from black tanks RSN27 (Raptor 1) and RSN88 (Raptor 1.5) in tents B9 comm dome (4-rings with ullage vents, stringers (less than one ring high) spotted outside tents Wide bay work continued Smooth nosecone (the one outside tent 3) being scrapped SN20/S20 stacking operations by chopsticks [vid 10] McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on tripod test stand for about 0m51s; smooth sound |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[254] |
| 08.02.2022 | LR11000X crane rotated
QD arm: curved part (bumpers) lowered down by LR11000X; preparation work continued OLIT scaffolding being removed, so chopsticks could move B4 grabbed by QD arm claws; work on the claws connectors SN20/S20 work on QD; took them very long to disconnect the ship from the stand QD Chopsticks: Scaffolding being removed, new lifting pins spotted Starship Gazer Excavator trying to remove water from landing pad near entrance B6 test tank moved at PPS by SPMT B2.1 test tank moved at PPS Wide bay: LR11000 still connected to last level 7&8 segment, work on several areas continued; two spars for bridge cranes arrived S22 work continued in mid bay; aft flap aerocover moved into mid bay New tent spotted in tent 3 Berm tunnel on landing pad painted black, likely to prepare for presentation Raptor 2 SN10 spotted at McGregor [NSF] SN20/S20 moved into position for stacking |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[255] |
| 07.02.2022 | B4 disconnected from LR11000X load spreader 2:54 am
SPMT Coupler lifted; one of the two SPMTs moved away from under the B4 transport stand; stand moved away New launch site fence painting work continued QD arm work continued OLIT work continued on movable work platforms OLM/B4: booster QD work Wide bay: last level 2 wall panels being installed; beams delivered Ship transfer tube with anti-vortex device delivered ("The anti-vortex device prevents methane from cavitating and damaging Raptor engines") 5-ring nosecone barrel section scrapped Long pipe lifted inside the high bay Coil of stainless steel delivered COPVs and potential vehicle parts delivered OLS tank farm: work platforms erected around the two horizontal large CH4 tanks, possibly for building a wall; insulated GSE pipe moved on landing pad McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on tripod test stand for about 1m18s; Mach Diamonds visible, started with yellow and green exhaust |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[256] |
| 06.02.2022 | B4 work inside LOX tank; hatch closed at 5:30am
Wide bay: Fourth corner section of level 7&8/4 lifted at 8:20 am and installed B4 prepared for lifting (ropes attached), lifted off transport stand and onto OLM for the fourth time, by LR11000X without the help of the chopsticks; transport stand removed B4 secured on OLM, booster QD connected [great closeup] Ship QD arm work continued; rotated away from B4 after stacking Bridge crane girder delivered to production site, possibly for new wide bay |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[257] |
| 05.02.2022 | B4 unhooked from LR11000X at 9:56am
Earth work between OLS tank farm and landing pad continued OLM work continued LR11000X moved towards OLS, load spreader lowered and unhooked Crane load test bag storage boxes shown Road work on hwy 4 near launch site continued GSE4 scrapping continued B4 moved slightly with transport stand Two jets owned by Jared Isaacman (from Inspiration 4) flew over starbase several times Wide bay: more beams lifted into place; more beams, likely for final level 9&10 (5), delivered; stair assembly continued next to high bay Ship aft section flipped (4-ring) Smooth nosecone with lifting jigs outside tent 3 B7 work on fwd section (still attached to bridge crane) Chopsticks raised and lowered again; moved out of the way B4 moved to OLS after LR11000X on an SPMT (the one from yesterday); attached OLIT: work on rails via movable work platforms "window washers" |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[258] |
| 04.02.2022 | Testing at OLS tank farm (possibly vertical CH4 tanks): road closure: road closed at around 6:52am; dish has been lowered; pad clear 1:37 pm; at the end a bit venting from the small vertical LN2 tank (with loudspeakers); road opened at 4:01pm
Power outages at shipyard in the morning Nosecone moved in tent 3 B8 LCH4 sump next to transfer tube Work on the building like structure (with redish beams) next to high bay continued High bay: workers using the high bay balcony Crane load test bag storage boxes shown OLS tank farm: LN2 deliveries Wide bay beams delivered SPMT delivered ballast to launch site, possibly for B4 transport |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[259] |
| 03.02.2022 | B3 methane manifold lying around at launch site
GSE4 stand moved to production site by SPMT Wide bay third segment of level 7&8 still attached to LR11000 PPS: Ship leg skirt with can crusher top shown close up; work on the bottom part of the structural test stand; trench work near booster 5 B8 LCH4 tank sump [connecting the main LCH4 tank with the transfer tube/downcomer] delivered to production site High bay load spreader connected to B7 methane tank section (no grid fins installed yet to fwd section) Beams assembled next to high bay forming the framework of a small building SpaceX cat spotted B5 at PPS: hydraulic power unit removed Elon Musk announced Starship presentation with full stack on Thursday, February 10, 8pm CT (2am UTC) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[260] |
| 02.02.2022 | Can crusher top (top of structural test stand) put on aft skirt at PPS
OLM work continued; gaps between the shieldings covered LR11000X moved to B4, load spreader picked up, hooked up B4 engine bells have been painted grey [not today] OLS tank farm work at the vertical CH4 tanks; earth work continued; consumables delivered GSE4 remains (aft dome) removed from stand, scrapping continued Starhopper maintenace work Wide bay work on lower levels continued; some small wall panels installed PPS: Earth work next to SN15 and SN16 S22 tank section work in mid bay continued, raceway has been installed, some of the TPS tile covering visible; work through access hole Tiles applied on a barrel section in a tent B7 methane section has moved in high bay |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[261] |
| 01.02.2022 | S22 raceway (preassembled) lifted into mid bay for installation, installed; work through access hole
Wide bay construction continued; LR11000 detached from second level 7&8 segment, attached to third segment, lifted at 2:35pm and installed; workers climbing on beams Old ship leg skirt (2-ring) lifted onto a transport stand at PPS B7: jig has been installed on its side Domes cut up at scrapyard Sleeving stand worked on Dirt work continued at launch site B4 grid fins unstrapped FAA: EA is now at 2 out of 5, endangered species act consultation was finished on 31 January 2022 cms.permits Roberts road update: OLIT assembly fixture pieces spotted, along with new foundations for assembling the OLIT sections |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre The Denks, Farrielle |
[262] |
January 2022[]
| Date | Description | Source | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.01.2022 | Chopsticks: water bags removed
B3 some remnants still lying around OLM work continued Crane ballast and counterweight cradle moved by SPMT B8? fwd dome section/segment spotted in tent S24? noseceone (smooth) spotted in tent 3; fwd flap mounting jig attached S22 flap attachment jigs installed Wide bay: installation of small vertical cross beams B4 raptor nozzles have been painted grey [RGV] RC for today canceled New RCs for February 3–7 (10am-10pm), February 4 (6am-4pm) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[263] |
| 30.01.2022 | Ship aft section from yesterday removed from sleeving stand
Cargo door prototype still next to smooth nosecone High bay bar looking finished from outside; work platforms being removed Ship aft skirt (2-ring) spotted OLM work continued Crane water bags loaded onto chopsticks via cross bar Chopsticks load testing: raised slightly, bags filled water, chopsticks lifted about 1/3 of tower and lowered again |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[264] |
| 29.01.2022 | B4 work on an aerocover
B8 common dome section flipped at 10:57am Launch site wall construction work continued OLM: Booster QD work continued OLS tank farm: LN2 deliveries Crane ballast bags for chopsticks moved at launch site Wide bay: First section of level 7&8 (4) lifted by LR11000 at 10:00am and installed, work platforms have been installed on top of level 6; LR11000 attached to second segment, lifted at 3:27pm and installed Ship aft barrel [S22, S24?] spotted outside tents, ship QD panel has moved upwards by one ring Crane prepared for flipping rig |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[265] |
| 28.01.2022 | S21 production appearing to have paused
LR11000 attached to first segment of level 7&8(4) of wide bay Crane detached from nosecone in front of tent 3 Tracking site: one dish pointed towards launch site OLS tank farm venting: both subcooler areas, near SN20/S20 stand, south berm; OLM vented for a long time (vent below QD lines); subcoolers frosted up after testing McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on vertical tripod test stand for the first time, for about 0m40s; mach diamonds visible |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[266] |
| 27.01.2022 | OLS: Excavators work around SN20/S20 base
OLS: GSE piping readied on carts, laid out before being buried; OLM work continued SoLS: concrete work around pad B OLS tank farm: cryo deliveries; work on horizontal LCH4 tanks Ship QD work continued, lines and cables being installed, work on the QD plate and lines Chopsticks work on the downward extensions OLS, IT: welding work, work on platform that moves up and down column B7 moved moved around in the high bay Nosecone hooked to crane outside tent 3 High bay rooftop bar work continued 13 engine booster aft cap aka "thrust puck" in front of tents Odd shaped tank spotted in an earlier video speculated to potentially be a new booster header tank design (dome with smalle top ring) Booster fwd section in production tent S21 outside mid bay Wide bay: stair section (produced next to high bay) lowered into it New RCs for January 31 - February 2 (10am-10pm) S22 disconnected from crane in mid bay at 20:03 NASA Aerospace Saety Advisory Panel: SpaceX provided the agency with "an integrated master schedule" on HLS Starship development this month. Also gave a "good understanding of some of the challenges" the company is having with Raptor engine production. NASA conducted some site visits to Boca Chica and Hawthorne. Landing technologies accuracy /stability / hazard avoicance identified as top risk to HLS Starship; mitigations include the fact that there will be uncrewed test landings [Sheetz] McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on horizontal test stand for about 0m25s; multiple very bright flashes at the end McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on vertical test stand for about 0m09s; green flash at the end; similar to test on January 14 |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[267] |
| 26,01.2022 | Smooth nosecone attached to crane outside tents, next to cargo door prototype
Booster fwd dome lifted onto sleeving stand; dome cleaned [?]; 3-ring sleeve with 2-ring stringers moved out of tent Wide bay work continued; preassembly of level 7&8 under way S22 tank section in mid bay (now full height, 16 rings) Booster [B8] fwd dome sleeve rolled out of tent 1 again after being rolled back in; attached to crane, lifted and flipped; attached to another crane, sleeved OLM work continued OLS tank farm: klemm drill rig used again OLS, IT; Ship QD arm's claw tested SN20/S20 work around and on quick disconnect Chopsticks work continued, white part has been added to lower extensions Standard TFR renewed for February RC for January 27–28 canceled McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on horizontal test stand for about 2m05s McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on horizontal test stand for about 1m45s |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[268] |
| 25.01.2022 | OLS IT, OLM and Chopsticks worked on; IT with scaffolding on rail columns, working on rails
B4 work continued Earth work on SoLS, near pad B3 remains cut into smaller sections PPS: Work on destillery tower B2.1 connected to crane for lifting; lifted from structural test stand (lower part of can crusher) Wide bay: more beams added Unusual tank structure (dome-like with a small top ring) spotted in tents Booster common dome and its sleeve next to sleeving stand S22 thrust section (5-ring with lead-ins) spotted in mid bay RC for tomorrow canceled McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on horizontal test stand for about 2m25s; longest yet |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[269] |
| 24.01.2022 | McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test on horizontal test stand for about 1m54s; dense fog, very loud
Ship and booster stabilization arms folded and extended from 11:36pm to midnight |
Cuker
LabPadre |
no |
| 23.01.2022 | OLM work continued
OLS IT work continued SN20/S20 rigging and LR11000X disconnected; moved next to OLM B7 CH4 section being welded by a robotic welder in high bay Raptor 2 sighted for first time; testing started [270] RC for January 24–25 canceled |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[271] |
| 22.01.2022 | Wide bay construction work continued, beams added
S22 thrust section moved from high bay into mid bay (moved in and out several times) B7 aft tank section #4 moved near high bay [?] B7 LCH4 section stacked on another 4-ring section at 1:30am, now 13 out of 13 rings tall Crane rigging from LR11000X detached and reattached from/to SN20/S20 SN20/S20 disconnected (8:19am) and reconnected to LR11000X at 10:31am, lifted from pad B on to transport stand with QD at 11:42-57am OLS IT work continued Ship QD worked on |
NSF
Nic LabPadre |
[272] |
| 21.01.2022 | McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test at ?:?? pm on horizontal test stand for about 1m58s
McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test at ?:?? pm on vertical test stand for about 1m10s |
Cuker | no |
| 20.01.2022 | LOX deliveries to OLS tank farm
SN20/S20 still hooked to LR11000X on Pad B; transport stand next to it GSE4 remains still laying around Berm removal continued Ship nosecone barrel section in high bay S21 tank section still outside mid bay Oilfield workers and equipment from FESCO arrived at Boca Chica B2.1 work on outside Earth and concrete work behind high bay and wide bay looks like foundation for some new building/construction New RCs for January 26–27 (10am-10pm) and 28 (6am-4pm) |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[273] |
| 19.01.2022 | Ship QD transport stand positioned next to S20/SN20 at 9:37am
Production tent moving continued High bay rooftop bar work continued Single 3.6mm ring moved into high bay Smooth nosecones in tent 3; first one with TPS pins [Randolph] Ship common dome spotted Booster fwd dome moved High bay: ship nosecone barrel section attached to crane (3.6mm!) Smooth nosecone moved out of tent 3, next to S22 nc barrel section (cargo door prototype) Wide bay work continued on all current levels; assembly of level 7&8 has begun GSE4 remains at launch site OLM work continued Chopsticks worked on Concrete forms constructed at launch site Perimeter fence being welded at launch site Cryogenic deliveries to OLS tank farm RCs for January 20 and 21 canceled Elon Musk catching simulation video on Twitter McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test at ?:?? pm on horizontal test stand for about 1m46s; throttling of engine |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[274] |
| 18.01.2022 | Chopsticks worked on
Commodities delivered to OLS tank farm GSE4 test tank cryo proof tested to failure (popping) Wide bay construction work continued on lower levels; concrete work behind wide bay S22 nosecone barrel section (5-ring) as payload door prototype closeup; work continued, more of the door has been cut High bay rooftop bar work continued B7 CH4 section stacked on a 3-ring section; now 9 of 13 rings tall RC for tomorrow canceled |
NSF
Mary LabPadre Randolph |
[275] |
| 17.01.2022 | LR11000X moved towards SN20/S20
SN20/S20 lifting squid attached; work on QD area on Pad B (disconnected from GSE connections); connected to LR11000X OLS, IT: Roof installation has begun OLM: Painting work B4 work on QD area; aerocover for QD panel installed Concrete mixer moved by crane at OLS tank farm Wide bay construction work continued; cross beams added for level 5&6 Concrete work behind wide bay B7 fwd section #3 (3-ring) in high bay; stacked, now 6/13 rings tall S21 tank section moved out of mid bay once again Nosecone scrapping work continued Tent moved at production site (again?) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[276] |
| 16,01.2022 | B7 Ch4 tank sections ready for stacking
OLS tank farm work, parts lifted |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[277] |
| 15.01.2022 | Wide bay: 4th corner segment of level 5&6 has been lifted
LR11000X turned OLS tank farm: Klemm KR702-2R Drill rig in action B7 3-ring CH4 tank section (with lead-ins) and fwd dome section moved into high bay OLM QD: several full speed hood tests (05:21am |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[278] |
| 14.01.2022 | OLS tank farm: Large number of trucks delivered LOX/LN2; some venting
Ship QD work continued Berm removal continue B4 work on engine section (work on aerocovers): engines have received side covers; three aerocovers are now installed B7 fwd dome section (sleeved) spotted outside highbay Wide bay: work continued; level 7&8 preassembly has begun; LR11000 disconnected from segment; fourth section lifted at 3:15pm and installed Load spreader moved away from production site Crane connected to a 2-ring leg skirt Crane with huge load spreader (delivered on January 9) relocating a tent at production site (the one next to tent 3) McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test at ?:?? pm on vertical test stand for about 0m26s; green flash at shut off |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[279] |
| 13.01.2022 | B2.1 work through access hole
SoLS Pad A: Booster adaptor removed Wide bay: third level 5&6 (3) segment attached to crane and lifted; more beams added Unused nosecone attached to crane, scrapped, cut in half Groundwork behind high and wide bays continued B4 work continued; first aerocovers finally being added B3 engine section removed from Pad A Chopsticks: Beam and water bags remvoed RC for tomorrow canceled |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[280] |
| 12.01.2022 | Wide bay: Preassembly of remaining level 5&6 segments continued
LR11000 ("Buucky") lifted and lowereed again; raised again Parts for a construction elevator delivered B2.1 test stand cap removed Mobile offices delivered to production site Choptsticks: worked on; ballast bags filled with water (canflex crane test water bags for 100 tons); tested (moved upwards a bit; sideways as well) Berm removal continued LN2 and LOX deliveries to OLS tank farm B3 scrapping continued B4 covers worked on B7 downcomer installed into LOX section beginning at around 19:55 RC for tomorrow canceled New RCs for January 18–20 (10am-10pm) McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test at 8:43 pm on vertical test stand for about 1m20s |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[281] |
| 11.01.2022 | Wide bay: ramaining two level 5&6 segments preassembly continued; cross beams added on level 5&6
Hydraulic rams loaded onto truck Booster fwd dome sleeve and dome in front of tents B3 scrapping continued B2.1 hatch opened by force Ship aft flap with tiles waitung for installation LR11000 lowered boom at production site PPS: new structure (black stand?) spotted Chopsticks: Cross bar with ballast bags (re-)attached; moved to the top (not filled, fastest yet); drone inspected; moved down OLS, IT (OLIT): workers started adding roof tiles Tank farm/launch pad berm continued to be removed Ship QD: grab arms moved; full arm moved B4 work continued around QD area GSE4 test tank worked on SN20/S20 work continued RC for tomorrow canceled |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[282] |
| 10.01.2022 | Wide bay: LR11000 still connected to corner segment; work other two segments of level 5&6
Crane work at production site Ship stand with disconnect moved to launch site OLS tank farm/landing pad berm continued to be removed LN2 and LOX deliveries to OLS tank farm B3 scrapping continued Chopsticks tested: fastes move yet (stayed relatively low) |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[283] |
| 09.01.2022 | Crane weights transported on SPMT
Mystery column still at production site Leg skirt barrel segment spotted in tent S22 5-ring nosecone barrel; possibly payload door prototype S24 common dome (4-ring, with new types of lead-ins) spotted Load spreader delivered OLM work continued; raptor disconnect vent [?] tested twice Chopsticks work continued; bar lifted onto it to connect both arms, installed; chopsticks tested; rose very slowly to the top; arm movement on the top; slowly lowered down again Ship QD arm work continued; tested (extended and retracted) B3 scrapping continued SN20/S20 worked on McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test at 2:00 pm on horizontal test stand for about 0m40s |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[284] |
| 08.01.2022 | Ship QD and chopsticks being tested [see below]
OLS/landing pad earth work continued Nilgai spotted Wide bay work continued B2.1 test tank: Ropes continued to being disconnected from structural test stand B3 LOX section scrapping began on pad A; tank section cut off from aft section an lifted away; scrapping of tank section continued OLM: Work on booster QD Booster fwd dome outside tents B7 rotated in tent |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[285] |
| 07.01.2022 | OLM work continued with last shieldings continued to being added
Power bay: Stair added OLS/landing pad berm continued to be removed Ship transport stand and ballast transported to production site Earth work behind high and wide bay continued (levelling) Wide bay: New beams delivered; beams added between corner sections of level 5&6, preassembly of level 5&6, as well as of 7&8 continued B7 aft LOX tank segment #5 (4-ring) moved into high bay B2.1 test tank: ropes have been detached from lower attachment points; crews removing one of the ropes OLS tank farm testing with activity from CH4 subcoolers and LN2 tanks; green blinking lights spotted [vid 08] LR11000X moved towards B3 and attached to it [vid 08] Chopsticks extensively tested, especially horizontal arm movement; observed by a SpaceX drone [vid 08] Ship QD arm movement tested [vid 08] B7 LOX tank section lifted in high bay; stacked onto another LOX tank section (now 20 out of 23 rings tall) [vid 08] B3 attached to LR11000X at 8:53pm McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test at 7:19 pm on horizontal test stand for about 0m34sec |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[286] |
| 06.01.2022 | New RCs for January 12 (10am-8pm), 13-14 (6am-4pm)
B4 attached to LR11000X OLS/landing pad berm earth continued to be removed Wall construction between landing pad and hwy 4 continued SoLS: Ground repair work began near pad B OLM: Awning/shieldings added Chopsticks work continued Wide bay: Second corner segment of level 5&6 lifted by LR11000 and installed Work on ship QD: New panels added, some curved (soft?) plates added (bumpers) LOX and LN2 deliveries to OLS tank farm SN20/S20 work on fwd flaps B4 work through access hole Construction elevator moved away from launch site Wide bay: Work continued, second corner segment for level 5&6 lifted by LR11000 and installed Foundation work next to stargate building High bay rooftop bar work continued S24 mid LOX section has tiles attached New ship section spotted outside tents (4-ring, no lead-ins) New RCs for January 12 (10am-10pm) and 13-14 (6am-4pm) McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test at ?:?? pm on vertical test stand for about 1m00sec |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[287] |
| 05.01.2022 | Fast booster QD retraction test at 12:55 am, another one, fastest yet, at 4:16 pm
Chopsticks work continued Wide bay: First segment of level 5&6 lifted slowly, put down again, LR11000 moved forward into the bay, lifted and installed; work on finishing level 2 continued Earth work south-west of wide bay SN2 lifted from concrete stand at production site, lowered onto transport stand, moved to PPS 5-ring nosecone barrel section at scrap yard; scrapped flaps spotted Rotating fabrication mount from tent 2 moved ("These spin a barrel section so a robotic welder can access the seam between two rings") B4 work continued OLM awning installation continued, one has a hole; some other work GSE4 worked on OLS tank farm venting next to horizontal CH4 tanks and CH4 subcoolers |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[288] |
| 04.01.2022 | Wide bay construction work continued with cross beams and wall plates being added; more beams delivered;
Chopsticks (Mechazilla) tested Possible cargo door pathfinder shown B4 work continued on several areas Fence with semi-transparent plates being added between landing pad and hwy 4 LN2 delivery to OLS tank farm OLS bearm towards landing pad being removed OLM work continued, first three awnings installed to protect pipes equipment on the side of the OLT Chopsticks work; testesd very slowly: risen up several meters, right arm opened up, left arm tested, moved down, rose again, arms tested in several angles, moved down to original position [per part vid 05] PLS, IT scaffolding continued to be removed McGregor: Raptor 2 engine test at 8:53 pm on horizontal test stand for about 1m32sec |
NSF
Mary Nic LabPadre |
[289] |
| 03.01.2022 | LOX and LN2 deliveres to launch site
SN20/S20 Tiles being removed again at the nosecone lift points after the static fire OLS, IT: Scaffold continued to being removed OLS berm: earth work continued; some earth being removed Booster QD on OLM: Insulation being wrapped around main QD pipes "Dog house" covers have been painted grey Wide bay: LR11000 connected to first level 5&6 corner segment; work on lower levels continued S24 common dome sleeve waiting to be sleeved; load spreader attached to S24 common dome, lifted onto sleeving stand; no header tank installed, Elon Musk confirmed that CH4 header tank would be moved to nosecone [!]; load spreader connected to common dome sleeve, sleeved on dome Stair construction near high bay continued Deliveries (bround half rings, McDonough machine) Chopsticks work continued LR11000X moved to landing pad and attached to B4 via loadspreader Elon Musk: "Raptor 2 now operates routinely at 300 bar main chamber pressure" SN20/S20 Liftting points reinstalled |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[290] |
| 02.01.2022 | Ship QD arm still waiting for its completion
B4 on landing pad Minor work began again Wind damage at Tent 1 (roll-up door) Chopsticks short move upwards |
NSF
Mary LabPadre |
[291] |
| 01.01.2022 |