Portions of this thread copied from a Starship Dev thread on r/SpaceX.
FAQ
- When next launch? (IFT-5) Booster catch NET late July, per Elon.
- When previous launch? (IFT-4)? Booster 11 and Ship 29 launched on 2024-06-06.
- What was the result? Both booster and ship make it to landing burn and splashdown. Ship flaps took a beating on reentry, but remained in control of the vehicle.
Quick Links
RAPTOR ROOST | LAB CAM | SAPPHIRE CAM | SENTINEL CAM | ROVER CAM | ROVER 2.0 CAM | PLEX CAM | NSF STARBASE
IFT-4 launch thread | Starship Dev 55 | IFT-3 launch thread | Starship Dev 54 | Starship Dev 53 | Starship Dev 52 | Starship Dev 51
Official SpaceX Starship Update Video (2024-04-06)
Status
Road Closures - @bocaroad Mastodon bot
| Type | Start (CDT) | End (CDT) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Date | 2024-07-09 08:00 | 2024-07-09 20:00 | Possible Closure. |
| Backup Date | 2024-07-10 08:00 | 2024-07-10 20:00 | Possible Closure. |
| Backup Date | 2024-07-11 08:00 | 2024-07-11 20:00 | Possible Closure. |
| Primary Day | 2024-07-10 12:00 | 2024-07-11 00:00 | “Clossure” Scheduled. |
| Alternative Day | 2024-07-11 12:00 | 2024-07-12 00:00 | Possible “Clossure”. |
| Alternative Day | 2024-07-12 08:00 | 2024-07-12 20:00 | Possible “Clossure”. |
Up to date as of 2024-07-11
Vehicle Status
As of 2024-06-29
Follow Ring Watchers on Twitter and Discord for more.
| Ship | Location | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| S26 | Rocket Garden | Resting | Static fire Oct. 20. No fins or heat shield, multiple mysterious changes. Completed 3 cryo tests, latest on Oct 10. Rolls to Massey’s May 8th, cryo test May 24th, static fired Jun 3rd, rolls to rocket garden Jun 12th. |
| S29 | Indian Ocean | Successful launch and soft water landing | Spin prime Mar 11th, Static fire Mar 25th (6 engines) and 27th (1 engine), partial WDR May 16th, full WDR May 20th, full WDR May 28th, FTS installed May 30th, stacked on Jun 1st, launched on IFT-4 Jun 6th. |
| S30 | Highbay | Undergoing heatshield upgrade | 2x cryo: Jan 3rd and Jan 5th. Engines installed ~Apr 9th. Static fired May 8th. |
| S31 | Megabay 2 | Pending engine install | 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. |
| S32 | Rocket Garden | Resting | Fully stacked, fore flaps installed but not aft flaps |
| S33-35 | Abandoned | Parts spotted, likely to be scrapped in preparation for Starship v2 | |
| S36-37 | Build Site | Parts spotted | Starship v2 forward flap spotted |
| Booster | Location | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| B11 | Gulf of Mexico | Successful launch and soft water landing | Completed 2 Cryo tests. Static fired Apr 5th, hot stage ring installed ~May 3rd, partial WDR May 16th, full WDR May 20th, full WDR May 28th, FTS installed May 30th, launched IFT-4 on Jun 6th. |
| B12 | Pad A | Pending static fire | Cryo x2 |
| B13 | Megabay 1 | Testing | Cryo tests Apr 26th (methane tank) and Apr 29th (LOX tank) |
| B14 | Megabay 1 | Pending cryo | Stacked Apr 26th |
| B14.1 | Sanchez | Resting | Multiple catch simulation “slap tests” performed on Jun 26th and 27th. |
| B15 | Build Site | Assembly | Potential aft end, common dome section, aft tank section, and forward dome spotted. |
| B16 | Build Site | Assembly | Parts spotted |
| 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
- Old orbital tank farm map | Source.
You must log in or register to comment.
Starbase activities (2024-07-04):
- July 3rd addendum: S31 completes another cryo test (minimal loading on each tank). NSF timelapse comparison.
- Previous day’s cryo delivery tally
- LR11000: Overnight, the crane rolls away from the location of the old tank farm. In the afternoon, it is lowered to horizontal.
- Pad B: Tower section #1 is on the move.
Other:
- SpaceX posts an IFT-4 recap and flight 5 teaser video. Final shot indicates booster RTLS on flight 5.
Starbase activities (2024-06-21):
- Overnight, a load spreader moves from build site to launch complex.
- GMK 7550 is erected and seems to be prepping for a lift, possibly the aforementioned load spreader.
- Massey’s: Crane and B14.1 movement is noted. B14.1 moves from Massey’s (ViX, (NSF) to the launch complex (ViX, NSF, LabPadre).
- B14.1 may be used in an upcoming catch test. Simulation and speculation by Ryan Hansen.
- CC8800-1 crane assembly continues.
- Tower B: More wall sections installed.
- Scrapping of GSEC-4 continues: Sections are cut and removed until none remain. Next to be removed is GSEC-3, another outer shell. (reference map)
- S30 tile replacement over the past few days: Video, photos, and more photos.
- Road closures for “non-flight testing activities” are posted for Jun 25th, 26th, and 27th, all 08:00 to 20:00.
Other:
Apologies for the delay. Starbase activities (2024-07-05):
- July 4th addendum: Tower section #1 moves, likely to clear space for lowering of the CC8800-1 crane.
- Previous day’s cryo delivery tally
- Pad B: A corner “foot” is removed and reinstalled on the tower base. Another removal and reinstallation later in the day. NSF alternate angle photo.
- CC8800-1 crane is lowered. The LTR 1220 crane retracts not long after.
- July 6th road delay (00:00 to 03:00) is posted for transportation operations “from Massey’s to Production Pad”.
Other:
- Closeup of S30 tile removal process. “Simple tooling to make this fast and repeatable”, is in the works, per Elon.
- Flight 5 in 4 weeks, per Elon. This gives us a new NET date of Aug 2.
Starbase activities (2024-06-22):
- Overnight, B14.1 is lifted onto the orbital launch mount (ViX, NSF). It looks rather silly, but also quite cute.
- GSEC-3 is lifted off of GSE-6, and positioned for scrapping (ViX, NSF). (reference map)
- RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos of S30, Massey’s flame trench, and pad B construction.
- More photos of S30 tile work from a couple days ago.
Other:
- Tim Dodd tour of Starbase with Elon, part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFqjoCbZ4ik
- SpaceRhin0 has already started updating the raptor tracking diagrams.
Starbase activities (2024-06-26):
- Previous day’s cryo delivery tally
- Overnight, GSE-6 scrapping continues. Slight mishap in the early morning when attempting to remove the dome, but the situation was soon rectified.
- Main event: Chopsticks testing (NSF livestream): Road is closed, and chopsticks open and close on B14.1. Timelapse of two tests, first close, second close (slap!). Chopsticks, their arms wide.
- CC8800-1 crane undergoes some testing and inspections, then returns to vertical (alternate angle).
- S30 tile replacement and ablative shielding layer application continues. Additional recent photo from cnunez.
- Another horizontal tank is en route to Starbase.
Starbase activities (2024-06-23):
- Overnight, GSEC-3 scrapping progresses quickly, and is finished by morning.
- GSEC-1 is next to be scrapped. (reference map)
- CC8800-1 crane assembly continues: Video 1 (lines are tensioned), video 2, video 3. Zack expects the crane to rise within two days.
- Pad B work continues. Scaffolding has been erected surrounding the tower base.
- Cryo tally from Jun 22.
Other:
- “The best appendix is no appendix”: Lars Blackmore (SpaceX principal landing engineer) belatedly expresses his pleasure at the success of IFT-4. Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3.
- Elon replies to Tim Dodd, and highlights upcoming changes with Raptor 3. Integrated regenerative cooling channels throughout the engine eliminates the need for engine shielding and reduces the required fire suppression system.
Starbase activities (2024-07-06):
- Previous day’s cryo delivery tally
- Overnight, S31 moves from Massey’s to Megabay 2 (ViX, NSF).
- RGV Aerial posts photos from recent flyover: Brownsville port, office building and Starfactory, Pad B, Massey’s overhead, Massey’s flame trench, and S31 at Massey’s.
Other:
- Boca’s Brain shares a potential photo of B11 explosion. Comparison with released SpaceX footage.
- Construction of a new raptor vertical test stand at McGregor is observed in a recent NSF flyover.
- New Ringwatchers article on propellant distribution systems on Super Heavy.
Starbase activities (2024-06-24):
- Jun 23rd addendum: GSEC-1 is removed (ViX, NSF), revealing GSE-5. Alternate angle and flexing. (reference map)
- Cryo delivery tally.
- GSEC-1 scrapping begins.
- Pad B: Overnight, a concrete pump is deployed.
- CC8800-1 crane assembly: Crane twitches several times over the course of the day (video 1, video 2, video 3), but has not risen yet.
- Amended road closure scheduled: Jun 25th 12:00 to 20:00
Starbase activities (2024-06-25):
- Overnight, scrapping of GSEC-1 is completed. Load spreaders are swapped out and crane is hooked up to GSE-6. (reference map)
- Cryo delivery tally
- GSE-6 is removed, and scrapping begins.
- Chopsticks swing towards B14.1, road closure is revoked. Chopsticks open and lower (ViX, NSF). Montage and timelapses (ViX, NSF) of chopstick testing over the course of the day.
- CC8800-1 crane assembly complete, and the crane rises (full timelapse).
- Pad B: Entrance is widened and graded.
- Jun 25th road closure revoked. Jun 26th and 27th closures are still possible.
- Temporary road delays posted for Jun 26th, Jun 27th or Jun 28th, for transport of tower segments from Brownsville to Sanchez.
Other:
- Christian Davenport highlights Blue Origin and ULA’s “concerns” regarding Starship at 39A. (Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3)
- Zack Golden article on pad B vs pad A, and some flame trench thoughts.
Starbase activities (2024-06-29):
- Jun 28th addendum: Launch mount testing of the raptor quick disconnects. Comparison compilation from DeffGeff/NSF.
- Cryo delivery tally
- Overnight, B14.1 moves from the launch site to Sanchez.
- Scrapping of GSE-3 continues. Load spreader is raised to the top of GSE-5. (reference map)
- Tower B: Pipes and a floor frame are installed.
IFT-5:
- Booster catch attempt: In response to a direct question, Dylan Small (Booster Final Integration at Space X) reports that the team is “feeling pretty good about it”. B11 water landing was “very accurate”.
Starbase activities (2024-07-01):
- Overnight, S31 is lifted onto cryo/transport stand, and heads to Massey’s.
- Previous day’s cryo delivery tally
- GSE-5 scrapping continues throughout the night, concluding shortly before noon. Load spreader is disconnected, and the old tank farm is no more.
- Tower B: The four “feet” which the first tower section would sit upon are removed from the tower base.
- CC8800-1 crane testing continues.
- Tower A: Crews remove the LOX feed from the ship quick disconnect and a replacement is installed.
- New road delays posted for vehicle transport to pad, July 2nd and 3rd, 00:00 to 03:00. B12 to the pad?
- Jun 27th addendum: Evening rail test of the (anatomical) right chopstick.
Other:
- Elon shares a booster catch render. Unclear how official this is, as it was originally posted by a “Diana Dukic”, with credit given to “yann2552_”.
Starbase activities (2024-07-02):
- Previous day’s cryo delivery tally
- Build site: Overnight, Booster load spreader arrives outside Megabay 1. In the afternoon, a two-ring section appears and enters the Highbay.
- Pad A: The remaining tank bases are removed from the old tank farm, and scrapped.
- Pad B: A second floor section is installed in the tower base.
- Massey’s: S31 prepares for cryo testing.
- Brownsville port: Chopsticks and tower segments are unloaded from barge (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3)
Starbase activities (2024-07-03):
- July 2nd addendum: S31 completes a seemingly successful cryo test (partial load on each tank) and detank at Massey’s. Elevator cab is installed in Tower B.
- Previous day’s cryo delivery tally
- Overnight, tower section #1 rolls out to Pad B (ViX, NSF, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Doherty).
- By the afternoon, all four lifting jig attachment points have been installed on the tower section.
- Floor beam installation still in progress on tower base.
- CC8800-1 crane rolls towards the tower foundation.
- Two of the four corner “feet” have been reinstalled on the tower base.
- Peek into Megabay 1.
- S30 tile replacement and ablative shielding layer application continues in the Highbay.
- Road closures for “non-flight testing activities” are posted for July 9th, 10th, and 11th (all 08:00 to 20:00).
- Road delays for “transportation operations” are posted for July 8th (00:00 to 03:00 and 12:00 to 15:00) and July 9th (00:00 to 03:00).
Starbase activities (2024-07-07):
- Quiet day.
- Previous day’s cryo delivery tally.
- Overnight, ship lifting jig enters Megabay 2, and is hooked up to the bridge crane. Potentially for installation of engines on S31.
- Weather: Morning Pad A timelapse, ocean waves, path of Beryl misses Starbase, high tide, afternoon Pad A timelapse. Doherty photo, Rocket Ranch timelapse.
Other:
Starbase activities (2024-07-08):
- July 7th addendum: Booster transport stand arrives at Megabay 1.
- Previous day’s cryo delivery tally.
- S31 rolls out of Megabay 2, then rolls back in. The ship is briefly hooked up to the bridge crane, but disconnected not long after and moved to the Rocket Garden.
- A load spreader arrives at the Highbay.
- Pad B: The LTR 1220 crane is raised, followed by the LR11000. North and south corner “feet” are reinstalled on the tower base.
- Road delays amended for July 9th. Transportation operations from 00:00 to 03:00, 09:00 to 12:00, or 12:00 to 15:00.
Other:
