Massey Outpost, commonly referred to as Massey's, is a test site located at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. It serves as the primary cryogenic testing area for all ships and boosters and is also used to evaluate the structural aspects of test tanks. The evaluation of test tanks is done using the structural test cage, cryogenic test, and sometimes destructive cryogenic tests. Ships and boosters also undergo simulations of the forces applied to the aft of the respective vehicles by the engines using thrust pucks.
In recent months, Massey's has witnessed significant developments aimed at expanding its testing capabilities such as the installation of new methane tanks, piping and the construction of a flame trench. With Ship 26 being the first to conduct a static fire on the new flame trench.
History[]
Massey's was originally known and operated as Massey's Gun range before its acquisition by SpaceX in 2022, SpaceX acquired this lot as it provided a large enough area to test prototypes away from the launch site so operations there could remain unaffected. The first ship to perform a cryogenic test here was Ship 25 (S25) on the 5th of May 2023 and the first ship to preform a static fire test here was Ship 26 (S26) on the 3rd of June 2024.
Areas & Infrastructure[]
Cryogenic and Structural Testing Area[]
One of the main areas of the site is the cryogenic and structural testing area, where Ship (Starship's Second Stage) and Super Heavy Booster prototypes are tested for their ability to withstand extreme low temperatures and pressures. The cryogenic testing stands are connected to the Massey’s Tank farm, which supplies the liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen needed for the tests. The structural test cage is another facility that is used to verify the strength and durability of the new sections of the Ships and Boosters.
The Flame Trench[]
Another important area of the site is The Flame Trench, which was built to replace the function of the Suborbital Launch Site (SoLS) to make way for Orbital Launch and Integration Tower 3 (OLIT at the launch site. This area has a new methane tank farm, which consists of at least one vertical CH4 tank and two subcoolers. There is also a water deluge tank farm consisting of three large horizontal tanks and what is believed to be an enclosed flare system. The tank farm is being integrated with the existing pipe work to provide the fuel for the engines. The flame trench is a large pit that directs the exhaust of the engines away from the test stand. In addition to the flame trench there is also a stand for the ship to sit on, which will allow the ship to roll on and roll off the trench without the need for a crane at the outpost to lift ships.
Gallery[]
