Remote View

2mo ago

Starship Development Thread December 2024

Portions of this thread copied from a Starship Dev thread on r/SpaceX.

FAQ

When next launch? (Flight 7) NET Jan 11th according to recent documentation NASA filed with the FAA. (Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera 1, Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera 2) Advisories posted for Jan 10th through 16th. (ViX, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, NSF, WatchersTank)
When previous launch? (Flight 6)? Booster 13 and Ship 31 launched on 2024-11-19.
What was the result? Booster catch attempt aborted, performed soft splashdown in the Gulf. Ship performs in-space raptor relight, survives reentry, and makes an on-target splashdown.

Quick Links

Official SpaceX Starship Update Video (2024-04-06)

Road closures and road delays

Cameron County website - @bocaroad Mastodon bot

As of 2024-12-27

1-hour road delay was posted for Dec 5th (21:00 to 00:00) for transport from factory to pad.
2-hour road delay is posted for Dec 6th (00:00 to 04:00) for transport from Massey's to factory.
8-hour road closure is scheduled for Dec 7th (08:00 to 16:00) for non-flight testing activities.
12-hour road closures are posted for Dec 9th and 10th (08:00 to 20:00) for non-flight testing activities.
Dec 7th and 9th closures are scheduled.
2-hour road delays are posted for Dec 9th and 10th (00:00 to 03:00) for transport from factory to... ¯(ツ)_/¯ (desde la fabrica hasta Massey's)
Road delay is posted for Dec 10th from 08:00 to 11:00 for tank installation.
Dec 10th road closure is revoked, likely indicating that the static fire of B14 on Dec 9th went well.
2-hour road delays are posted and revoked for Dec 11th (10:00 to 14:00) and 12th (00:00 to 03:00) for transport from factory to Massey’s.
A road delay is posted for Dec 11th from 16:00 to 19:00 for tank installation.
Road delays are posted for Dec 12th and 13th (07:00 to 10:00) for tank installation. The associated document appears to be a duplicate of the Dec 11th document, but other sections of the website indicate the existence of the closures.
A 2-hour road delay is posted for Dec 17th from 02:00 to 06:00 or 10:00 to 14:00 for transportation from Massey's to factory (presumably S33 rollback).
Additional closures are also listed for Dec 18th and 19th (00:00 to 03:00). (ViX 1, ViX 2)
2-hour road delays are posted for Dec 21st and 22nd from 00:00 to 03:00 for transportation from factory to Massey's.
2-hour road delays are posted for Dec 29th from 10:00 to 16:00 and Dec 30th from 00:00 to 04:00 for transportation from factory to Massey's.
1-hour road delays are posted for Dec 30th from 16:00 and 20:00 and Dec 31st from 00:00 to 03:00 for transportation from factory to launch pad.

Vehicle Status

As of 2024-12-27

Follow Ring Watchers on Twitter and Discord for more.

Ship	Location	Status	Comment
SN2	Rocket Garden	Pending scrapping?
S20	Rocket Garden	Pending scrapping?
S31	Indian Ocean	Successful splashdown	Cryo tested May 12th, suffers small electrical fire. Underwent repairs in the Highbay, rolls back to Massey's Jul 1. Cryo tested Jul 2nd and 3rd. Engines installed by Jul 26th. Rolls to Massey's Sep 6th. Partial (aborted) cryo test Sep 8th. Static fired Sep 18th. Preflight checkouts completed Nov 17th. Launched as IFT-6 on Nov 19th. In-space raptor relight was successful, ship survived reentry and performed soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
S32	Rocket Garden	Pending scrapping?	Fully stacked, fore flaps installed but not aft flaps
Test Tank 16	Rocket Garden	Pending scrapping?	Cryo tested four times between July and September.
S33	Megabay 2	Pending static fire	First V2 Starship. Nosecone spotted Jul 14th. Forward section spotted Jul 27th. Stacking completed Aug 23. Cryo tested Oct 29th (partial), 30th (full), and 31st (full). Raptor installation begins Nov 9th. Spin prime Dec 12th. Static fired Dec 15th and 16th.
S34	Megabay 2	Pending cryo test	Methane header tank spotted Aug 14th. Nosecone stacked on payload bay Sep 20th. Stacking completed around end of November.
S35	Megabay 2	Assembly	Parts spotted Sep 20th. Forward flap installation Dec 3rd. Nosecone stacked on payload bay Dec 11th.
S36	Starfactory	Assembly	Parts spotted in December.
S37	Starfactory	Assembly	Parts spotted in December.
S38	Starfactory	Assembly	Parts spotted in December.

Booster	Location	Status	Comment
B12	Megabay 1	Post-flight inspection	Cryo x2, Static fire Jul 15th. Full stack cryo tests Sep 23rd and Oct 7th. FTS installed Oct 9th. Launched as IFT-5 on Oct 13, returned to launch site for successful chopstick catch. Moved to Megabay 1 Oct 15th.
B13	Gulf of Mexico	Successful splashdown	Cryo tests Apr 26th (methane tank) and Apr 29th (LOX tank). Static fired Oct 24th. Preflight checkouts completed Nov 17th. Launched as IFT-6 on Nov 19th. Chopsticks catch attempt was aborted, performed soft splashdown in the Gulf.
B14	Megabay 1	Pending hotstage ring install	Stacked Apr 26th, Cryo tested Oct 4th and 5th. Static fired Dec 9th.
B14.1	Sanchez	Resting	Multiple catch simulation "slap tests" performed on Jun 26th and 27th.
B15	Megabay 1	Pending engine install	Stacked from July to September. Methane tank cryo test Dec 27th, full cryo test Dec 28th.
B16	Megabay 1	Pending cryo test	Stacking completed by Dec 26th.
B17	Build Site	Assembly	Parts spotted

Resources

LabPadre Channel | NASASpaceFlight.com Channel
NSF: Booster 7 + Ship X (likely 24) Updates Thread | Most Recent
NSF: Boca Chica Production Updates Thread | Most recent
NSF: Elon Starship tweet compilation | Most Recent
SpaceX: Website Starship page | Starship Users Guide (2020, PDF)
FAA: SpaceX Starship Project at the Boca Chica Launch Site
FAA: Temporary Flight Restrictions NOTAM list
FCC: Starship Orbital Demo detailed Exhibit - 0748-EX-ST-2021 application June 20 through December 20
NASA: Starship Reentry Observation (Technical Report)
Hwy 4 & Boca Chica Beach Closures (May not be available outside US)
Production Progress Infographics by @RingWatchers
Raptor 2 Tracker by @SpaceRhin0
Acronym definitions by Decronym
Everyday Astronaut: Starbase Tour with Elon Musk, Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Everyday Astronaut: 2022 Elon Musk Interviews, Starbase/Ship Updates | Launch Tower | Merlin Engine | Raptor Engine
Everyday Astronaut 2024 Elon Musk Interviews: Starfactory tour | Pad tour and post-IFT-4 interview

32 comments

Starbase activities (2024-12-08):
Dec 7th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 7th addenda: Launch mount work platform returns to the launch site. (ViX) Drone show timelapse. (Priel / NSF)
Checkouts complete, the work platform transport stand heads back to the launch mount. (ViX)
Work platform leaves the launch site. (ViX)
Potential scaffolding mount points are installed on B14. (ViX)
Pad A announcement: "Loud checkouts for booster" (ViX)
B14 undergoes an igniter test. (ViX)
Traffic cones are deployed, likely in preparation for the delivery of a new cryo tank. (ViX, Gomez)
The Starfactory cladding on the highway side is complete. (ViX)
KSC:
Roberts Road facility expansion continues. (Stranger)

Starbase activities (2024-12-01):
Nov 30th cryo delivery tally.
The long weekend of low activity continues with a quiet Sunday.
cnunez posts recent photos of the yellow LR11000 at Pad B, and a nosecone with orange dots in Starfactory.
Pad A launch mount work continues. (StarbasePulse / NSF)
Other:
BocasBrain posts a photo of the interior of a vehicle propellant tank. I think it's a ship, not sure which one.

Starbase activities (2024-12-24):
Dec 23rd cryo delivery tally.
Not too much action reported on Christmas Eve.
Early morning build site tour, featuring chopsticks and launch mount for Pad B. (ViX)
Marcus House shares some photos by Shaun Gisler of Launch Mount B and the tank farm.
cnunez shares a recent photo of S35 in Starfactory.
RGV Aerial share a recent flyover photo of launch site.
Updated infographics on the evolution of Starship internals from Mark 1 to Block 2. (BingoBoca)
New Ringwatcher's article (2 of 5): Bigger is Better: Starship’s Extended & Optimized Tanks
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Starbase activities (2024-12-02):
Dec 1st cryo delivery tally.
Two 16-axle SPMTs move to Massey's. (ViX)
Gisler posts photos of Sanchez: Photo 1, photo 2, photo 3 (includes S26 scrap)
S34 raceway segments are raised to vertical inside Megabay 2. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Work on the passageway between Starfactory and offices continues. (Gisler)

Starbase activities (2024-12-22):
Dec 21st cryo delivery tally.
Dec 21st addendum: Gisler timelapse of B15 move to Massey's.
Overnight, the ship stand moves to Massey's. (ViX)
Build site: Hot Staging Ring emerges from Starfactory, likely for B14. (NSF / Mary, ViX)
Movement of the ship lifting jig within Megabay 2 is noted. (ViX)
Knaggs updated render of launch mount B.
Launch site: Assembly of the chopstick assembly jig continues. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
Brownsville Port: In the recent RGV Aerial flyover photos, Zack Golden identifies components for an air separation unit, likely for producing LN2 and LOX at the launch site. (Golden 1, Golden 2, RGV Aerial 1, RGV Aerial 2)

Starbase activities (2024-12-21):
Dec 20th cryo delivery tally.
Overnight, B15 moves from build site to Massey's. (LabPadre, Priel, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Gomez, cnunez 1, cnunez 2, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Starship Gazer 3)
Reinforcement stringers are added B14. (Starship Gazer)
cnunez posts photos of Starfactory featuring S35 and S36, S37, and S38 nosecones.
cnunez posts photos of Sanchez, Pad A, Pad B.
RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos of Launch Mount B and Pad B flame trench.

Starbase activities (2024-12-06):
Dec 5th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 5th addenda: Priel, LabPadre and ViX timelapses of B14 rollout. A new booster forward section emerges from Starfactory.
Build site: Ship static fire stand moves from Massey's to build site. (ViX)
Gisler photos of ship nosecones in Starfactory: S35 (with flaps) and later ships.
Launch site: B14 is lifted onto launch mount A. (ViX, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Priel, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, SpaceX)
R366 is spotted on B14 (not B12).
Booster transport stand leaves the launch site and is parked near Starhopper. (ViX)
Excavators are observed to be creating some piles of dirt. (ViX, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
Road delays: 2-hour road delays are posted for Dec 9th and 10th (00:00 to 03:00) for transport from factory to... ¯(ツ)_/¯ (desde la fabrica hasta Massey's)
KSC LC-39A:
Scrapping of the LOX tank begins. (RoughRidersShow / NSF)

Starbase activities (2024-12-07):
Dec 6th cryo delivery tally.
Build site: Overnight, an extension is installed on the black LTR1220 crane. (ViX)
An interesting strainer/funnel is delivered. (ViX)
Robot welder works on nosecones, humans inspect tiles. (NSF / Mary, cnunez)
Ring load spreader and S35 payload section enter the Highbay. (ViX, Starship Gazer)
Launch site: A 16-axle SPMT arrives at the launch site. (ViX)
B14 testing: Road is closed, NSF livestream starts.
Frost and propellant load.
B14 conducts a spin-prime test. (LabPadre, NSF, ViX, Priel)
Other: A holiday drone light show occurs. (NSF / Anderson timelapse, Gomez full livestream)
KSC LC-39A:
Scrapping of the LOX tank continues. (NSF, ViX)

Starbase activities (2024-12-26):
S35 (flight 9) moves from Starfactory to Megabay 2. A black reinforced square hole indicates a potential location for catch pins. (Mary, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Ryan Hansen, Killip 1, Killip 2)
S36 still in Starfactory, partially tiled. (cnunez)
Updated labeled launch site map. (RGV Aerial / BingoBoca)
Ashley Killip animation of updated ship pin swivel joint.
New Ringwatcher's article (4 of 5): It’s Electrifying: Starship’s Upgraded Payload Deployment System
KSC:
LC-39A chopstick movement is observed nearly two years after installation. Hopefully they have enough WD-40. (NSF, Alexphysics13)

Starbase activities (2024-12-12):
Dec 11th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 11th addendum: S35 nosecone and payload section moves from Highbay to Starfactory. (ViX)
Launch site: Overnight, Pad A chopsticks are tested. (ViX, NSF)
Also overnight, a the second horizontal methane tank at Sanchez moves to the tank farm, and a vertical tank arrives at the launch site. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Road delays are posted for Dec 12th and 13th (07:00 to 10:00) for tank installation. The associated document appears to be a duplicate of the Dec 11th document, but other sections of the website indicate the existence of the closures.
Mid-morning, the methane tank is lifted into position. (ViX, RogerS, Golden)
After the lift, the yellow LR11000 crane rolls a short distance. (ViX)
Build site: Two ring sections move from Starfactory to the scrap yard. (ViX)
The first piece the Pad B water-cooled flame-deflector pipe is spotted at Sanchez. (Starship Gazer)
Massey's: Venting is observed. S33 flaps are opened. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Starship Gazer 3)
Comparison of v2 and v1 flaps, and comments from Elon: "Major design improvement. Lighter, easier to manufacture and less susceptible to high heating."
S33 performs a spin prime test. (Hayden / NSF)
Cameron County Space Port Development Corporation meeting notice is posted.
SpaceX requests special election to make Starbase newest Cameron County city
KSC:
Potential info on Roberts Road northern expansion from a meeting agenda from Space Florida. (Stranger 1, Stranger 2)

Starbase activities (2024-12-23):
Dec 22nd cryo delivery tally.
Massey's: B15 still there. (cnunez)
Build site: Hot Stage Ring staged outside Megabay 1 and then moved inside. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Ship aft flap is delivered to Starfactory. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Chopsticks and ship quick disconnect arm for Pad B are still at Sanchez. A few chopstick skates are spotted nearby. (Starship Gazer, ChromeKiwi / RGV)
Launch site: Concrete is poured at the D2 gate. (ViX)
Launch Mount A repainting begins. (Starship Gazer)
New design of ship-lifting pins are installed on Chopsticks A. (Starship Gazer, Hansen)
Assembly of the chopstick assembly jig continues. (Starship Gazer)
Work on upgrading the tank farm continues. (Starship Gazer)
Other:
Zac Aubert, founder and creator of The Launch Pad YouTube channel is ill.
New Ringwatcher's article (1 of 5): It’s About Damn Time: Starship's Upgraded Flaps & Nosecone

Starbase activities (2024-12-09):
Dec 8th cryo delivery tally.
Launch site: In the early morning, a new cryo tank is delivered to the launch site. (LabPadre, ViX)
Tank transporter departs from the launch complex. (ViX)
Road delay is posted for Dec 10th from 08:00 to 11:00 for tank installation.
One lone human at the launch site. (ViX)
B14 testing: Road is closed. (Roger S / NSF)
Venting, propellant loading
B14 performs a static fire. (LabPadre, ViX 1 (timelapse), ViX 2, ViX 3, Starship Gazer, Priel, NSF, Mary, Golden, Doherty, Gomez, SpaceX including an upskirt shot)
Launch site cont'd: In the afternoon, the new cryo tank is moved into position. (ViX)
The yellow LR11000 crane moves to near the entrance of the D2 gate. Ramps and cribbing are laid down, and the crane moves towards the tank farm. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
Evening photos of the launch mount and Starhopper site from cnunez.
Additional recent launch site closeups from RGV Aerial.
Build site: A single ring is moved from Starfactory to the scrap yard. (ViX)
One of two methane tanks at Sanchez moves slightly, likely pending rollout to the launch complex overnight. (ViX)
S35's nosecone is staged near the Starfactory door, likely pending a move to the Highbay. (ViX)
Flight 6:
Apparently the banana payload was Chiquita brand (or so they claim).
Flight 7?:
Chiquita also seem to be alluding to possible future payloads.
KSC LC-39A:
Scrapping of the LOX tank continues. (ViX)

Starbase activities (2024-12-10):
Dec 9th addenda: Raptor work platform and booster transport stand return to the launch site. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Launch site: Overnight, two cryo tanks (one CH4, one LOX) roll out to the launch site. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Starship Gazer)
The yellow LR11000 counterweight tray is loaded onto an SPMT and driven to the awaiting crane at the tank farm. (ViX)
B14 is transferred from the launch mount to the transport stand. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, NSF)
Build site: B14 rolls back to the build site, is fitted with brackets for scaffolding, and enters Megabay 1. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Gomez 1, Gomez 2, Priel, NSF 1, NSF 2, Cphillips_03 / NSF, Mary)
S35 nosecone rolls into the Highbay and is stacked on its payload section. (ViX, Starship Gazer, cnunez)
A 4-ring barrel section moves from Starfactory to the scrap yard. (ViX)
Recent photo of launch mount B. (cnunez)
Recent photo of chopsticks B. (RGV Aerial)
Dec 10th road closure is revoked, likely indicating that the static fire of B14 on Dec 9th went well.
2-hour road delays are posted and revoked for Dec 11th (10:00 to 14:00) and 12th (00:00 to 03:00) for transport from factory to Massey’s.
Flight 7?:
Bananas are loaded for a classified destination. (Chiquita)
KSC:
Roberts Road facility expansion continues. (Stranger)
Scrapping of the LOX tank at LC-39A continues. (RoughRidersShow)

Starbase activities (2024-12-13):
Dec 12th addenda: LabPadre video of S33 spin prime at Massey's.
Launch site: Overnight, the counterweight tray and weights for the yellow LR11000 are moved from the tank farm to the launch complex. (ViX)
Also overnight, a second vertical tank is delivered to the launch complex. (ViX)
The black LR11000 crane lifts two vertical LN2 tanks into position, possible for the Pad B deluge system. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Gisler)
The second of the recent horizontal LOX tanks is moved into position at the tank farm. (ViX, Gisler)
S36 pending tile installation in Starfactory. (Gisler)
Build site: The final rings of B16's methane section move from Starfactory towards Megabay 1. (ViX)
Launch mount B looks to be nearing completion of work at Sanchez. (Gisler)
Rocket garden status: (Gisler) Left to right are (I think): B12, B14.1, S20, S32, SN2, Test Tank 16.
ChromeKiwi renders of water manifold and flame bucket for Pad B.
Flight 7:
Chiquita continues to tease future collaboration with SpaceX.

Starbase activities (2024-12-14):
Dec 13th cryo delivery tally.
Launch site: Work on Pad A launch mount continues. (cnunez)
Build site: Short video tour. A second work platform is spotted in Megabay 2. (ViX, cnunez)
Gisler clarifies that launch mount B only appears to be complete externally, and includes a closeup with a human for scale. Additional clarifications from Golden and Schnettler.
cnunez also posts a photo of launch mount B, though the stated date is likely erroneous.
Massey's: S33 performs a partial cryo load test. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, Roger S 1, NSF, Roger S 2, cnunez, Gomez)

Starbase activities (2024-12-17):
Dec 16th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 16th addendum: SpaceX post video and photos of S33 single engine static fire, and confirm it was a test for in-space relight.
Build site: Overnight, S33 moves from Massey's to Megabay 2, and lifted onto the left side work platform. (Priel, ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, NSF 4, Gisler)
The first section of the water cooled deck is installed on Launch Mount B. (Starship Gazer, Golden)
A festive parade occurs. (Anderson 1, Anderson 2, Starship Gazer, NSF 1, NSF 2, Priel)
Launch site: "SPACEX" letters are removed. (ViX, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3, Golden)
Tower B video tour. The concrete pipe is still fixed to the tower, welded-on strengthening panels have been added, scaffolding dismantling begins. (ViX)
Several segments of insulated piping are sighted. (Gisler)
Lewis Knaggs posts a thread of Pad B flame trench and launch mount renders: Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3, tweet 4, tweet 5, tweet 6.
Flight 7:
FAA issue launch license modification authorizing the flight 7 mission profile. (Berger, Starship Gazer, NSF, RGV Aerial, FAA)
Beil summarizes modifications, outcomes, and pending items.
Chiquita continue to hint at potential payload. (Chiquita 1, Chiquita 2)

Starbase activities (2024-12-18):
Dec 17th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 17th addendum: Christmas parade. (ViX 1, ViX 2, NSF / Mary, Gisler)
Not too much action reported today.
Launch site: The remaining “SPACEX” letters are removed, and a crane is connected to the supporting crossbeam. (Priel, ViX 1, ViX 2)
Chiquita bananas are delivered to Starbase and to the RGV food bank. (Lueders) No mention of any banana payload for Starship Flight 7.
KSC:
"During todays special project board meeting, Space Florida has adopted the request for matching funds for Project Hinton." (Bergeron)

Starbase activities (2024-12-20):
Dec 19th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 19th addendum: The 2nd piece of the water deluge "pancake" is lifted onto Launch Mount B. (ViX)
Build site: Overnight, a dome moves from one Starfactory door to another. (ViX)
Load spreader enters Megabay 1, and B15 is lifted onto the cryo test stand. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
In the evening, B15 emerges from Megabay 1. (NSF)
Launch site: Additional parts for the chopstick assembly jig arrive at Pad B. (Roger S)
RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos of the Pad B flame trench construction.
ChromeKiwi renders of flame trench retaining wall construction.

Starbase activities (2024-12-19):
Dec 18th cryo delivery tally.
Launch site: The gate crossbeam is removed. (ViX, Phillips)
Parts of the chopstick ~~installation~~ assembly jig for Pad B arrive. (ViX, Anderson 1, Anderson 2)
Chopsticks at Pad A receive new ship lifting pin housings. (ViX, Anderson)
Build site: Work on the launch mount and chopsticks for pad B continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3)
The booster thrust/test stand replaces the transport stand in the ring yard, likely for B15 transport to Massey's. (ViX)
2-hour road delays are posted for Dec 21st and 22nd from 00:00 to 03:00 for transportation from factory to Massey's.
Flight 7:
FAA clarification on the RCC-324-11 requirement. (NSF)
KSC:
Scrapping of the LOX tank at LC-39A continues. (RoughRidersShow / NSF)

Starbase activities (2024-12-25):
Not much activity on Christmas day. For the most part, all is quiet. (cnunez 1, cnunez 2, cnunez 3, clwphoto1)
Chopsticks assembly jig is partially assembled. (cnunez)
RGV Aerial post their latest flyover update video, covering Nov 21st to Dec 19th.
New Ringwatcher's article (3 of 5): The Business End: Starship's Upgraded Aft Section

Starbase activities (2024-12-27):
Dec 24th through 26th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 26th addenda: Install jig with Pez Dispenser enters Megabay 2, followed by S35 nosecone and payload section. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Build site: B16 aft stand is exits Megabay 1, followed by load spreader, indicating that B16 is fully stacked. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Massey's: B15 performs a methane tank cryo test. (LabPadre, Priel, Gomez)
2-hour road delays are posted for Dec 29th from 10:00 to 16:00 and Dec 30th from 00:00 to 04:00 for transportation from factory to Massey's.
1-hour road delays are posted for Dec 30th from 16:00 and 20:00 and Dec 31st from 00:00 to 03:00 for transportation from factory to launch pad.
Updated labeled Sanchez site map. (RGV Aerial / BingoBoca)
New Ringwatcher's article (5 of 5): The Bestagons: Starship’s Upgraded Heat Shield
Flight 7:
Advisories posted for Jan 10th through 16th. (ViX, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, NSF, WatchersTank)

Starbase activities (2024-12-28):
Dec 27th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 27th addendum: Chopstick landing rails are raised. (ViX)
Massey's: B15 undergoes a ~~LOX tank~~ full cryo test. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, Priel)
Pad A: Scaffolding is being removed from inside the launch mount. (NSF)

Starbase activities (2024-12-31):
Dec 30th cryo delivery tally.
Pad A: B14 is lifted onto the launch mount. (ViX, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Starship Gazer 3, Priel, Phillips, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3, clwphoto1)
Mystery bunker building, possibly a break room.
Pad B: No visible change to chopsticks assembly jig, but the pad has been cleaned up a bit. (Gisler)
Build site: HLS hardware spotted in Starfactory. (NSF)
Nosecones in Starfactory, possibly S37 and S38. (Gisler, cnunez)
Launch Mount B still at Sanchez. (Gisler)
Ship lifting jig spotted in Megabay 2. (Gisler)
McGregor:
Raptor 3 R4 spotted on a test stand. (NSF, SpaceRhin0)
1764 tests in 2024, 1187 of which were Raptor. (Priel 1, Priel 2)

Starbase activities (2024-12-16):
Dec 15th cryo delivery tally.
Launch site: Work on Pad A launch mount continues. (cnunez)
Work on Pad B flame trench continues. (Gisler)
Reinforcement panels for Tower B are delivered. (Anderson / Starship Gazer)
Build site: A blue ring moves from Massey's to Starfactory, likely test tank related. (ViX)
A D-shaped platform moves into Megabay 2. (ViX, NSF)
Gisler posts photos of Sanchez from the back side, of the deluge system, chopsticks arms, and launch mount.
Two filler panels are installed on Launch Mount B. (ViX)
Massey's: S33 performs a single-engine static fire. (ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2)
A 2-hour road delay is posted for Dec 17th from 02:00 to 06:00 or 10:00 to 14:00 for transportation from Massey's to factory (presumably S33 rollback).
Additional closures are also listed for Dec 18th and 19th (00:00 to 03:00). (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Two 16-axle SPMTs depart from the build site towards Massey's. (ViX)

Starbase activities (2024-12-05):
Dec 4th cryo delivery tally and subsequent correction.
Dec 4th addendum: Further booster quick disconnect and raptor quick disconnect tests conducted. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
Build site: Gisler posts a photo of launch mount B at Sanchez.
Closeup of S35 nosecone with installed forward flaps and an opening in the leeward heatshield. (NSF / Mary)
Booster transport stand eventually moves into Megabay 1. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
B14 is loaded onto the transport stand, and emerges from Megabay 1. (ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2)
1-hour road delay was posted for Dec 5th (21:00 to 00:00) for transport from factory to pad.
B14 rolls out to the launch site. (Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Starship Gazer 3, NSF, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Doherty, NSF livestream)
Road closures and delays: 2-hour road delay is posted for Dec 6th (00:00 to 04:00) for transport from Massey's to factory.
8-hour road closure is scheduled for Dec 7th (08:00 to 16:00) for non-flight testing activities.
12-hour road closures are posted for Dec 9th and 10th (08:00 to 20:00) for non-flight testing activities.
Dec 7th and 9th closures are scheduled.

Starbase activities (2024-12-11):
Dec 10th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 10th addendum: Notable wind. (ViX)
Build site: Booster transport stand emerges from Megabay 1 and parks near Starfactory. (ViX)
Ship stand enters Megabay 2, and S33 is transferred to it. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Starship Gazer, NSF)
S33 moves to Massey's, and is connected to the ship quick disconnect. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, Starship Gazer 1 (windward), Starship Gazer 2 (leeward), Starship Gazer 3, Gomez, Priel, NSF, Ken Fox, SpaceX, Fediverse Starbase Tracker)
Ring stand moves from Starfactory to Highbay, likely to transport S35 hardware to Megabay 2. (ViX)
B16 F3 section (methane tank) is staged outside Megabay 1. (ViX, NSF)
Recent photo of workers inspecting B14. (Doherty)
Launch site: A road delay is posted for Dec 11th from 16:00 to 19:00 for tank installation, during which time a CH4 tank is installed at the tank farm. (ViX, Starship Gazer, NSF 1, NSF 2)
The yellow LR11000 crane is reconfigured, seemingly with additional counterweights. (Gisler)
Other: U.T. Rio Grand Valley has apparently been authorized to sell the Stargate building to SpaceX. (Golden, utsystem.edu (PDF))
KSC:
Scrapping of the LOX tank at LC-39A continues. (RoughRidersShow)

Starbase activities (2024-12-04):
Dec 3rd cryo delivery tally.
Build site: S34 has been moved out of view, into one of the corners of Megabay 2. (ViX)
Booster transport stand moves slightly. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
Pad A: Launch mount testing occurs. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
KSC LC-39A:
Crane activity is observed. (ViX, Cornwell)

Starbase activities (2024-12-29):
Dec 28th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 28th addendum: Birds fly past B15. (ViX) Timelapse of cryo test from Priel.
Build site: B15 moves from Massey's to Megabay 1. Booster lifting jig also enters Megabay 1. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Priel 1, Priel 2, Priel 3, Priel 4, Mary, NSF, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, cnunez 1, cnunez 2, cnunez 3, cnunez 4, cnunez 5, Gomez 1, Gomez 2)
Booster transport stand moves from Sanchez to the ring yard, likely in advance of B14 transport to the launch site. (ViX)
Starship HLS airlock is spotted inside Starfactory. (Starship Gazer)
Work on launch mount B continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
RGV Aerial post a recent flyover photo of the office building to Starfactory connection.
Pad A: Work on the chopsticks and launch mount continues. (Starship Gazer)
Pad B: Chopsticks assembly jig is being lined up with Tower B. (Gisler)

Starbase activities (2024-12-03):
Dec 2nd cryo delivery tally.
A single ring section emerges from Starfactory and moves directly to the scrapyard. (ViX)
Ship lifting jig stand arrives at Megabay 2, and the ship lifting jig is placed upon it. (ViX)
S34 closeups in Megabay 2. (NSF)
S35 forward flaps are being installed. (NSF)
Booster transport stand is sighted. (ViX)
A humourous sign at Sanchez advertises launch mount B as "penthouse apartments". (Starship Gazer, Mary)
KSC:
Expansion of the Roberts Road facility has begun. (Harry Stranger / Sentinel-2B)

Starbase activities (2024-12-30):
Dec 29th cryo delivery tally.
Dec 29th addendum; B15 is lifted off of the test stand, and thrust simulator moves to the Rocket Garden. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Build site: Current photos from Starship Gazer of Launch Mount B, flame bucket, and chopsticks.
Booster transport stand enters Megabay 1, bridgecrane prepares to lift B14. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
A newly reinforced B14 is lifted onto the transport stand. (ViX, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, NSF)
Pad A: Chopsticks are exercised. (ViX, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2)
Work on the tank farm continues. (Starship Gazer)
B14 moves from Megabay 1 to the launch site. (LabPadre, ViX, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, NSF 1, NSF 2, Mary, knosalit, cnunez 1, cnunez 2, cnunez 3, clwphoto1, clwphoto1 video, Ramirez, NSF full livestream)
B14 moves between the chopsticks. (ViX)
Launch mount painting continues. (Starship Gazer)
Pad B: Work on the tower continues. Plenty of scaffolding still in place. (Starship Gazer)
Flight 7:
Current target launch date is Jan 10th: "SpaceX ready for Flight 7? Still targeting next week?" Elon: "10th"

Starbase activities (2024-12-15):
Dec 14th cryo delivery tally.
Build site: S36 tile application has started. (cnunez)
Massey's: S33 performs a static fire. (LabPadre, ViX timelapse, ViX real time, ViX extra fire, Starship Gazer photo, Starship Gazer video, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Mary, Gomez, SpaceX)

This thread is no longer being updated, and has been replaced by:
Starship Development Thread January 2025

32 comments

FAQ

Quick Links

Road closures and road delays

Vehicle Status

Resources

Starship Development Thread January 2025