Starship Development Thread #53

Starbase activities (2024-01-21):

9th, 10th, and 11th stringers installed on the OTF shells. The use of a "dent puller" was required in a couple cases. Unclear at this point whether all shells will receive reinforcements, or just these two.
Starfactory expansion is pretty quiet, though a new fence has been erected.

Starbase activities (2024-01-29):

Black LR11000 reassembly begins. A-frame rises.
Chopsticks rise and open.
2-point lift jig stand (without the jig) moves from Rocket Garden to Highbay.
Starfactory progress: More columns are installed and concrete is poured.
S28: Workers and Raptor removal jig are spotted under the skirt. Bad engine?

Starbase activities (2024-01-22):

Overnight, workers struggled to undent the OTF shells. Pop!
First beam for the new launch tower arrives, 4th piece overall. Piece #1, piece #2, and piece #3 were spotted last November.
Seems like the black LR11000 could be removed from the launch complex soon. I wonder where it is needed?

Starbase activities (2024-02-08):

Road delays posted for Feb 8th 15:00 to 18:00 and Feb 9th 00:00 to 03:00.
B10 rolls out to launch pad during the Feb 8th road delay. NSF stream. LabPadre timelapse.
B10 is positioned between the chopsticks for a potential lift tonight.
Launch tower section assembly resumes.
Starfactory progress: Quite a few more beams!

KSC:

Four launch tower segments depart KSC by barge, complete with a Valentine's decoration.
Three cryo tanks delivered to the Cape. SpaceX VP of launch confirms they are to enable consecutive prop load attempts on Falcon Heavy at 39A, not for Starship. (Though I wonder if they wouldn't repurpose the tanks for Starship eventually...)
SpaceX submits updated site plans for western site of Roberts Road facilities.

IFT-2:

NASA releases WB-57 tracking plane footage with some sections redacted. NSF edits the available files together.

IFT-3:

Road closures posted for Feb 12th through 14th. Launch or wet dress rehearsal?

Starbase activities (2024-02-06):

LOX pump replaced overnight.
Cones still in place despite no scheduled road closures or delays.
Barge arrives in Brownsville with the 9th (and possibly final) horizontal cryo tank for the OTF. Another cryo tank delivery likely scheduled for the end of February, so it is unclear where that tank would go.
Long SPMT moves to launch site, presumably in anticipation of the 9th cryo tank.
OLIT segment 9 column section arrives at Sanchez.
Starfactory progress: A more excavation and a few beams added.
Workers observed at the top of Megabay 2.
Coyotes spotted. Hope Starkitty is safely out of the way.

KSC:

4th tower section is loaded onto barge. (timelapse of 4th section, timelapse of all 4 sections)

Starbase activities (2024-01-31):

S28 has one of its engines swapped out. Photos from Starship Gazer and LabPadre.
A raptor leaves Megabay 2 and a raptor arrives at Megabay 2. Must be for S29, as it is the only vehicle there.
More sections added to Megabay 1 door :(
Starkitty sighted :)

Other:

The Starship manifest grows: Starlab commercial space station to launch on Starship

Starbase activities (2024-02-01):

Black LR 11000 crane is reassembled to the point where the yellow GMK 7550 crane is no longer needed at the launch site.
Tower section assembly: A column is lifted to vertical, then lowered back down. Stargazer covered the very exciting lowering in a livestream.
Starfactory progress continues: More beams installed, some excavation and concrete work done.

Shipping:

More cryo tanks destined for Brownsville.
Loading more tower sections onto a barge in the KSC turning basin for presumed transport to Starbase.
Summary of tower sections by Alexphysics13.

Starbase activities (2024-01-20):

8th stringer installed on the OTF shells.
Cross-bracing installation begins on the OTF shells.
Zack Golden's thoughts on the concrete issue: "If you pour too quickly, pressure will continue to rise at the bottom as additional material is added. Eventually this head pressure can reach a point where it becomes too great for the form work to handle, resulting in a collapse."

Starbase activities (2024-02-02):

S28: An R-vac was removed.
SpaceX posts stunning pictures of B10 through B13 in Megabay 1. B11 has engines and shielding. B13 partially stacked.
More sections added to Megabay 1 door. Hope SpaceX continues to post regular pictures.
Starfactory progress: Columns and beams continue to be added at a steady pace.
Signs of roofing work on the potential bathroom at the launch site.

KSC:

A total of four launch tower sections are now at the KSC turning basin.
Updated summary of tower sections by Alexphysics13.

clothes reply

Wow. I don't think I realized how gargantuan the megabay is.

Yeah, I think it's 2-3 times the floor space of the current high bay, and slightly taller. Megabay 2 is similar size to Megabay 1. Definitely huge buildings, though still not as big as the VAB at the Cape.

Starbase activities (2024-02-05):

Booster transport stand moved from Rocket Garden to Ring Yard (video), possibly for B10 transport. Transport stand then moves to Megabay 1, but then leaves empty shortly after.
Not much Starfactory progress.
LOX pump delivered to launch site, unboxed, and an existing LOX motor and pump are removed.

KSC:

Barge arrives at the KSC turn basin.
Barge lowers, and the first of potentially four launch tower sections is loaded (timelapse). Hold-down chains tensioned, the SPMT is removed, and the 2nd and 3rd sections are loaded.

Other:

Interesting thread regarding distribution of segments for the top of the 3rd (2nd at Starbase) launch tower. Seems like the top 3 will all be two-thirds height, as opposed to the full-height, two-thirds, one-third segments on the 1st tower.

Starbase activities (2024-02-07):

Clamp retraction test is performed on the OLM. Nice closeup shot of OLM from Stargazer.
9th horizontal cryo tank arrives at launch site, and after widening the D2 entrance, is slotted into position alongside its siblings. Stargazer photos of tank and farm. NSF also captured some video of delivery and tank closeup.
Starfactory progress: Several more columns and beams added.
Black LR11000 raises its boom for the first time since undergoing maintenance.
New Ringwatchers diagram! Text summary of changes.

KSC:

Four tower segments are secured on barge. Barge has not left port yet.

IFT-3:

FAA currently waiting on SpaceX to submit necessary information for launch license modification.

Starbase activities (2024-02-13):

Feb 13th road closure is revoked. Feb 14th closure scheduled. Feb 15th, 16th, and 20th have been added as possible road closure dates.
S28 is restacked on B10. Alternate angle timelapse, and pretty pictures from Mary, Starship Gazer, Sean, and Starship Gazer.
Vicki goes AFK.
Starfactory progress: More roof close to camera, more beams far from camera.
Launch tower section coming along nicely.
SpaceX more or less confirms WDR is up next. Here's to a Valentine's Day WDR!

Starbase activities (2024-01-19):

B12 moves from Massey's back to the build site. (video)
7th stringer installed on shells at the OTF.
420th LN2 delivery since IFT-2.
Starfactory expansion continues with some excavation today.
Concrete issue with the new building next to the deluge tanks. Is it known what this building will be for?
Steel plates are installed to protect the base of the launch tower. More photos from Starship Gazer and LabPadre.

Starbase activities (2024-02-03):

B13 fully stacked. No grid fins yet.
Starfactory progress: Pre-dawn to early afternoon. Difficult to spot any differences.
Starkitty sighted :)

KSC:

The four launch tower sections await transport via barge. Tiedown chains were added.

Nitter links

Starbase activities (2024-02-15):

SQD push-pull test.

Starbase activities (2024-02-16):

Pad cleared (transcript), Feb 16th road closure scheduled, and another WDR attempt (NSF livestream).
Ship 28 and booster 10 both got a bit frosty, but full WDR was ultimately aborted. (timelapse)
Feb 20th road delay scheduled and road closure possible.

Other:

Launch tower segments on their way to Starbase. ETA Feb 20th.
SpaceX to build a Starship launch complex at SLC-37 in Florida. Currently use is for Delta IV Heavy, which is retiring.

𝕏 links

Starbase activities (2024-02-15):

SQD push-pull test.

Starbase activities (2024-02-16):

Pad cleared (transcript), Feb 16th road closure scheduled, and another WDR attempt (NSF livestream).
Ship 28 and booster 10 both got a bit frosty, but full WDR was ultimately aborted. (timelapse)
Feb 20th road delay scheduled and road closure possible.

Other:

Launch tower segments on their way to Starbase. ETA Feb 20th.
SpaceX to build a Starship launch complex at SLC-37 in Florida. Currently use is for Delta IV Heavy, which is retiring.

Starbase activities (2024-02-04):

Pretty quiet Sunday.
S28 gains a raptor engine.
Production site: Cones set up for potential transport to or from Sanchez or RocketGarden, but no road closures scheduled. A few more beams have been added to Starfactory since yesterday.
New hardware spotted at Sanchez site. Likely a production jig or transport stand for hotstage rings.

KSC:

Marmac 2860 barge (79 m x 30.5 m) inbound for KSC turn basin.

refreeze

I wonder what happened that caused them to abandon today's WDR attempt.

Possibly something GSE-related? They upgraded it since IFT-2, and it could be having some teething issues...

Starbase activities (2024-02-09):

B10 lifted onto launch mount overnight. BQD connected. Glamour shots from Starship Gazer and Cosmic Perspective
New weld marks spotted on B10 aft section, possibly indicative of additional slosh baffles.
B14 aft section #2 spotted.
New work platform spotted in Megabay 2.
Launch tower section assembly coming along nicely, with a first layer of crossbeams laid.
Starfactory progress: Entire row of columns is complete, more beams and roof parts added.
Road delay posted for Feb 10th 00:00 to 03:00 with backup 08:00 to 10:00.

Other:

Starship to reach the moon in less than 5 years (Elon time :)

Starbase activities (2024-01-14):

7th horizontal tank is delivered to launch site and slotted into position alongside the others.
Hole is repaired on Megabay 2.
The black LR11000 is partially disassembled, possibly for maintenance.

This thread maybe, next thread definitely!

Starbase activities (2024-01-08):

Poor weather at Starbase, no notable major activities.
Road delay posted for Jan 10th.

See you all tomorrow!

Starbase activities (2024-02-21):

Nitter links:

A stabilizer pin on chopsticks is removed. New pin mounting bracket is installed. Looks like the replacement pin will be in a slightly different location than the old pin: Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3, tweet 4, tweet 5.
Cutting/welding on SQD. (close-up)
S28 still connected to the black LR 11000.
Road closures still possible for Feb 22nd and 23rd.

𝕏 links

A stabilizer pin on chopsticks is removed. New pin mounting bracket is installed. Looks like the replacement pin will be in a slightly different location than the old pin: Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3, tweet 4, tweet 5.
Cutting/welding on SQD. (close-up)
S28 still connected to the black LR 11000.
Road closures still possible for Feb 22nd and 23rd.

Starbase activities (2024-02-15):

Many cryo tankers overnight, one obscured by birb.
Feb 15th road closure revoked. No closure listed for Feb 16th, but possible (but unlikely due to holiday) closure listed for Feb 20th.
Lift up near B10 hot stage ring for much of the day.

'Murica! 'Murica! ![email protected]!

X links:

Many cryo tankers overnight, one obscured by birb.
Feb 15th road closure revoked. No closure listed for Feb 16th, but possible (but unlikely due to holiday) closure listed for Feb 20th.
Lift up near B10 hot stage ring for much of the day.
'Murica! 'Murica! ![email protected]!

Starbase activities (2024-01-12):

Tent #3 demolition commences.
Short stubby tank is delivered to launch site. Purpose unclear at this point.
Long SPMT arrives at launch site, likely in anticipation of more horizontal storage tanks arriving.
B12 performs a 2nd cryo test at Massey's.
Potential road "cosssures" posted for Jan 16th, 17th, and 18th.

Starship update video released. Some highlights:

S25 failure: Intentional LOx venting caused an unintentional fire and explosion.
IFT-3 flight plan includes a deorbit burn from header tanks.
2nd launch tower at Starbase confirmed.
Full stack could eventually stretch to 150 m, with an aspirational goal of 200 tonnes to orbit, fully reusable.

Starbase activities (2024-01-23):

Efforts to undent the OTF shells continued overnight and during the day. They even used fire at one point!
Disassembly of the black LR11000 continues.
Starfactory is coming along. 6-day timelapse.
Launch tower prefabrication footings are installed at Sanchez, in preparation for building tower sections.
B12 rolls from the Rocket Garden towards the build site.

Starbase activities (2024-02-25):

𝕏 links

GSE tanks: Overnight, Another small tank is added to the old vertical OTF, and a third torpedo tank arrives at the launch site. Additional GSE tank shuffling.
S29 is placed on transport stand, disconnects from lifting jig, rolls out and moves to Highbay.
Build site: Megabay cladding removal continues, and Starfactory is progressing well. Work platform lifted up inside Megabay 2.
Load spreader going up at Massey's.
Tower segments 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 have been unloaded at Brownsville Port. Segments 4 and 5 last reported to be at Roberts Road. Segment 8 under construction at Starbase.
Starkitty sighted :)
Road closure still scheduled for Feb 26th.

Nitter links

GSE tanks: Overnight, Another small tank is added to the old vertical OTF, and a third torpedo tank arrives at the launch site. Additional GSE tank shuffling.
S29 is placed on transport stand, disconnects from lifting jig, rolls out and moves to Highbay.
Build site: Megabay cladding removal continues, and Starfactory is progressing well. Work platform lifted up inside Megabay 2.
Load spreader going up at Massey's.
Tower segments 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 have been unloaded at Brownsville Port. Segments 4 and 5 last reported to be at Roberts Road. Segment 8 under construction at Starbase.
Starkitty sighted :)
Road closure still scheduled for Feb 26th.

Starbase activities (2024-01-25):

S28 briefly rolls out of Highbay, then goes back inside.
Black LR11000 is further disassembled (A-frame removed).
B13 methane tank stacking continues (commenced Jan 16)
S26 nears completion of third row of stringers. The mystery of S26 continues.
Starfactory: Lots of activity. More columns and roofing added.

Sorry for missing a day! I had a busy weekend.

Nitter links

RIP nitter.freedit.eu instance. nitter.esmailelbob.xyz is still limping along, but it's only a matter of time before it too falls.

Starbase activities (2024-02-17):

Not much action, but some Starfactory progress status.

Starbase activities (2024-02-18):

Coyote sighted. Starkitty sighted.
Minimal Starfactory progress.
Nice aerial photo of S28/B10.
Tanker deliveries to OTF.
SQD retracts work platform extends, workers disconnect the lines near SQD plate, and work platform retracts.
Crews spotted at the ship lift jig, which is now connected to the black LR11000.
S28 destacked from B10.
Feb 20th road delay still scheduled and road closure still possible.

𝕏 links

Starbase activities (2024-02-17):

Not much action, but some Starfactory progress status.

Starbase activities (2024-02-18):

Coyote sighted. Starkitty sighted.
Minimal Starfactory progress.
Nice aerial photo of S28/B10.
Tanker deliveries to OTF.
SQD retracts work platform extends, workers disconnect the lines near SQD plate, and work platform retracts.
Crews spotted at the ship lift jig, which is now connected to the black LR11000.
S28 destacked from B10.
Feb 20th road delay still scheduled and road closure still possible.

Starbase activities (2024-02-14): 💘

Nitter links:
FireX is tested prior to WDR attempt.
SpaceX attempts a Wet Dress Rehearsal of B10 and S28. (NSF livestream)
Launch tower venting, everything venting, a small amount of propellant is loaded (ship frosty), but frost line doesn't rise.
Detank, Feb 14th road closure is concluded, and a road closure is scheduled for Feb 15th.
Though the WDR is aborted, a deluge test and a fire suppression test is conducted.
LOX is delivered to the launch site.

X links:
FireX is tested prior to WDR attempt.
SpaceX attempts a Wet Dress Rehearsal of B10 and S28. (NSF livestream)
Launch tower venting, everything venting, a small amount of propellant is loaded (ship frosty), but frost line doesn't rise.
Detank, Feb 14th road closure is concluded, and a road closure is scheduled for Feb 15th.
Though the WDR is aborted, a deluge test and a fire suppression test is conducted.
LOX is delivered to the launch site.

Other:

New CSI Starbase episode just dropped: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIisBG3NV8Y

Starbase activities (2024-02-12):

Feb 12th road closure revoked. Feb 13th and 14th still possible.
S28 is destacked from B10, and press plate reinstalled. Crews work on HSR clamps.
S28 "hop" announcement mid-afternoon, stabilization pins engage, press plate is removed, NSF goes live, but no stack occurs.
Starfactory progress: Row of columns is being extended in the other direction now.

IFT-3:

Launch in ~3 weeks (Elon time).

Other:

Side-by-side comparison of stacking B4/S20, B7/S24, B9/25, and B10/S28.
Starship V3 will be 10 to 15 meters longer.

clothes reply

~3 weeks (Elon time)

I reallyyy thought we were at 2 weeks (Elon time) and now I'm sad. Exciting to be inching closer though!

Yeah, same. It will launch when it launches, we just have to be patient. And still sooner than New Glenn :)

Starbase activities (2024-01-30):

B13 chine tanks arrive and are lifted into Megabay 1.
Chopsticks are closed and lowered. SQD arm also swings in.
Black LR 11000 reassembly continues.
Megabay 1 door testing. Partial door closure.
Starfactory progress: A few more beams added since Jan 29.

Starbase activities (2024-02-24):

𝕏 links

S28 receives decals overnight. S28 disconnects from lifting jig during the day. (LabPadre closeup) S28 opens her flaps. (StarshipGazer closeup.)
Newly added small OTF tank moves back and forth a bit, but ultimately stays where it is.
Three rusty tanks visible in RGV Aerial flyover, and another rusty tanks arrives and is moved to the OTF.
Two non-rusty tanks arrive.
Build site: No notable change to tower section. Starfactory progressing quickly. Possible new location for ring yard.
S29 disconnects from lifting jig in Megabay 2.
RGV Aerial OLM flyover photo.
"Tower, his arms wide"

Nitter links

S28 receives decals overnight. S28 disconnects from lifting jig during the day. (LabPadre closeup) S28 opens her flaps. (StarshipGazer closeup.)
Newly added small OTF tank moves back and forth a bit, but ultimately stays where it is.
Three rusty tanks visible in RGV Aerial flyover, and another rusty tanks arrives and is moved to the OTF.
Two non-rusty tanks arrive.
Build site: No notable change to tower section. Starfactory progressing quickly. Possible new location for ring yard.
S29 disconnects from lifting jig in Megabay 2.
RGV Aerial OLM flyover photo.
"Tower, his arms wide"

Starbase activities (2024-02-23):

𝕏 links

New possible road closures posted for Feb 26th, 27th, and 28th.
Chopsticks wide open today. Top ship pin arm is removed, cut, and reattached with a slight offset. Possibly an attempt to fix an angular mismatch that occurs between bottom of ship and top of booster. Pin testing.
Build site: Tower section close up. Some cladding is removed from Megabay 2, and Starfactory progress continues. Tweet 1, tweet 2. Alternate angle shots from cnunezimages. Tweet 3, tweet 4.
Empty tank moves from near deluge system to empty slot in old vertical OTF.

Nitter links

New possible road closures posted for Feb 26th, 27th, and 28th.
Chopsticks wide open today. Top ship pin arm is removed, cut, and reattached with a slight offset. Possibly an attempt to fix an angular mismatch that occurs between bottom of ship and top of booster. Pin testing.
Build site: Tower section close up. Some cladding is removed from Megabay 2, and Starfactory progress continues. Tweet 1, tweet 2. Alternate angle shots from cnunezimages. Tweet 3, tweet 4.
Empty tank moves from near deluge system to empty slot in old vertical OTF.

Starbase activities (2024-01-17):

Multiple lifts observed near OLM and chopsticks.
Tank shell of GSE-2 receives reinforcements. (timelapse)
Road closed for unspecified testing, likely related to OTF.
Starkitty sighted :)

Other:

SpaceX looking to swap 43 acres of the nearby state park for 477 acres of land elsewhere.
SpaceX also looking to make the Starbase name official.

Starbase activities (2024-01-18):

Overnight testing included OTF and tower venting.
BQD and SQD are worked on.
Reinforcment stringers two through six are installed on the OTF.
S26 is worked on. The mystery continues.
Starfactory expansion coming along nicely.
Another slightly silly-looking excavator lift.
Road delay scheduled for the morning of Jan 19th.

Starbase activities (2024-02-29): (Leap day!)

Booster transport stand leaves launch area
S28 is disconnected from lifting jig, and rolls over to chopsticks. Flaps are unchained and deployed. Crews arrive at the pad, chopsticks are inspected (alternate angle), and rise into position.
Starfactory progress continues. (additional closeups)
Another B14 section arrives outside Megabay 1.
Two SPMTs roll from launch pad to build site, one enters Highbay, and another receives counterweights. Road space at the launch site is cleared. S29 peeks out of the Highbay.

Other:

Ryan Hansen speculates on the design of the flame diverter at Massey's.

Starbase activities (2024-02-26):

Main event, S28 testing: NSF livestream, pad cleared, orbital and suborbital tank farms venting, more venting, S28 frost line (LabPadre, NSF), tower venting (LabPadre, NSF), S28 engine chill, spin prime (NSF), and depress vent.
Ship lifting jig moves around build site overnight.
Multiple OLM clamp retraction tests performed: First test was during the night, and the second test was in the afternoon, followed quickly by a third, fourth, fifth, and sixth test.
More shielding added to base of launch tower.
Two large horizontal cryo tanks spotted in Florida, destined for Starbase.

IFT-2 updates from SpaceX:

Booster failure:
several engines began shutting down before one engine failed energetically, quickly cascading to a rapid unscheduled disassembly
Cause:
most likely root cause for the booster RUD was determined to be filter blockage where liquid oxygen is supplied to the engines, leading to a loss of inlet pressure in engine oxidizer turbopumps
Zack Golden and Ryan Hansen speculate that blockage could have been slosh baffles which broke free during the period of negative acceleration. Ringwatchers relevant article.
Fix:
implemented hardware changes inside future booster oxidizer tanks to improve propellant filtration capabilities and refined operations to increase reliability
Ship failure:
A leak in the aft section of the spacecraft that developed when the liquid oxygen vent was initiated resulted in a combustion event and subsequent fires that led to a loss of communication between the spacecraft’s flight computers. This resulted in a commanded shut down of all six engines prior to completion of the ascent burn, followed by the Autonomous Flight Safety System detecting a mission rule violation and activating the flight termination system
Fix:
implemented hardware changes on upcoming Starship vehicles to improve leak reduction, fire protection, and refined operations associated with the propellant vent to increase reliability. The previously planned move from a hydraulic steering system for the vehicle’s Raptor engines to an entirely electric system also removes potential sources of flammability
FAA mishap investigation has been closed. SpaceX must complete corrective actions, of which there are 17.

Starbase activities (2024-01-11):

S26 lifted onto engine installation stand.
S30 in High Bay.
S31 moves back into High Bay.
S32 moves to Rocket Garden.
Tent #3 stripping and emptying continues.
Workers observed on SQD.
Following yesterday's unusual lift of a boom lift, and excavator follows.
Black LR11000 then moves away from the OTF, likely implying the end of GSE tank removal for now.
Potential location identified for the upcoming Starship update, but I could not find any confirmation that an update took place. The CEO may have had a prior engagement today.

Starbase activities (2024-01-13):

Overnight, B12 completes its 2nd cryo test at Massey's. Detanking audible from RocketRanch.
A 10-axle SPMT visits the launch site to retrieve booster stand.
Tent #3 demolition completed.
New vapourizers arrive at launch site.
Two more horizontal tanks arrive in Brownsville port.
No more GSE tank removals any time soon. Load spreaders leave the launch site, and the black LR11000 boom is lowered.

Other:

SpaceX to build a restaurant, grocery store, and other shops near Starbase.

Starbase activities (2024-01-15):

Either not too much action today, or action shrouded in fog.
No vehicle transports or tank deliveries.
Hotstage ring spotted exiting Megabay 1.

Other:

New Ringwatchers article detailing changes/upgrades with B10 and S28.

Starbase activities (2024-01-24):

Busy day.
B12 moves to Megabay 1, road sign knocked over.
B12 lifted off transport stand, empty transport stand then rolls out of Megabay 1.
Starfactory progress: Another row of columns and beams is started.
Final piece of LR11000 boom is removed.
New blast wall arrives to protect the OTF.
OTF shell undenting completed and reinforcement resumes.
Launch tower columns are shuffled around (close-up). Hope we see some tower sections built soon.
S28 peeks out of Highbay. (video timelapse)

B10 rolling out to the launch site now. NSF are live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thkodx2tVKk

Starbase activities (2024-02-10):

S28 moves from build site to launch site overnight. Chopsticks hug S28 (Starship Gazer photo). GMK 7550 moves into position for press plate removal.
Workers spotted on SQD.
Ship lifting jig moves out of Highbay.
Starfactory progress: More beams, more roof.

Starbase activities (2024-02-11):

S28 stacked on B10 overnight, and SQD connected. NSF livestream, Starship Gazer upskirt shot, and Nic Ansuini sunrise shot.
Starfactory: No major progress since yesterday, but the frame and roof are nearing completion.
Possible road closure still listed for Feb 12th 08:00 to 20:00.

Starbase activities (2024-02-19):

Nitter links

S28 moves to the suborbital site, is attached to the 2-point lift jig, and lifted onto the suborbital pad.
B10 removed from OLM. Timelapse and 2nd angle.
Four launch tower sections arrive in Brownsville port. Starship Gazer close-up and closer-up
GMK 7550, counterweights, and new vapourisers arrive at the launch site. Vapourisers lifted into place.
Two cryo tanks arrive at the OTF, and lifted to vertical orientation.

𝕏 links

S28 moves to the suborbital site, is attached to the 2-point lift jig, and lifted onto the suborbital pad.
B10 removed from OLM. Timelapse and 2nd angle.
Four launch tower sections arrive in Brownsville port. Starship Gazer close-up and closer-up
GMK 7550, counterweights, and new vapourisers arrive at the launch site. Vapourisers lifted into place.
Two cryo tanks arrive at the OTF, and lifted to vertical orientation.

Starbase activities (2024-02-20):

Nitter links:

Feb 20th road closure revoked. New possible closures for Feb 22nd and 23rd.
B10 rolls back from launch site to Megabay 1.
FTS explosives arrive at launch site. Possible detonators or other related equipment arrives.
New vapourisers moved temporarily.
New old water tank arrives at Massey's, likely for a static fire water deluge system.
Interesting Ryan Hansen renders of Massey's flame trench: Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3, tweet 4, tweet 5, tweet 6, tweet 7.
IFT-3 NET second week of March (Elon time). Chance of reaching orbit is almost 80%. Flight 4 hardware is almost ready.

𝕏 links

Feb 20th road closure revoked. New possible closures for Feb 22nd and 23rd.
B10 rolls back from launch site to Megabay 1.
FTS explosives arrive at launch site. Possible detonators or other related equipment arrives.
New vapourisers moved temporarily.
New old water tank arrives at Massey's, likely for a static fire water deluge system.
Interesting Ryan Hansen renders of Massey's flame trench: Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3, tweet 4, tweet 5, tweet 6, tweet 7.
IFT-3 NET second week of March (Elon time). Chance of reaching orbit is almost 80%. Flight 4 hardware is almost ready.

Viewing individual tweets on nitter seems to be over, though I can still view them chronologically on account profile pages. Not sure what I will do once this breaks too...

refreeze reply

Interesting that they are going for a flame trench, I guess the water table is different at Massey's. Or since they don't do static fires at full thrust, it doesn't need to be that deep?

Yeah, I wonder why they aren't just doing another water-cooled steel plate. Seems to have worked well for IFT-2. Perhaps it is cheaper to build/operate a flame trench, so if the terrain allows one, it is the preferable option?

Starbase activities (2024-02-22):

Nitter links

Feb 22nd and 23rd road closures revoked.
S28 stays on the suborbital pad throughout the day: Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3, tweet 4. Possible raptor igniter test and other work.
Ship transport stand leaves launch complex, then returns. Ship lifting jig stand leaves mid-afternoon.
Gravel relocation at gate D2: Tweet 1, tweet 2.
Chopsticks are tested.
Launch tower section and Starfactory coming along nicely.
Mystery structure spotted at Sanchez.

Other:

Second launch pad at Starbase will be where the suborbital pad is now. Tweet 1, tweet 2, PDF 1, PDF 2.
SpaceX seeks a waiver to launch Starship “at least” nine times this year

𝕏 links

Feb 22nd and 23rd road closures revoked.
S28 stays on the suborbital pad throughout the day: Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3, tweet 4. Possible raptor igniter test and other work.
Ship transport stand leaves launch complex, then returns. Ship lifting jig stand leaves mid-afternoon.
Gravel relocation at gate D2: Tweet 1, tweet 2.
Chopsticks are tested.
Launch tower section and Starfactory coming along nicely.
Mystery structure spotted at Sanchez.

Other:

Second launch pad at Starbase will be where the suborbital pad is now. Tweet 1, tweet 2, PDF 1, PDF 2.
SpaceX seeks a waiver to launch Starship “at least” nine times this year

Starbase activities (2024-02-27):

Feb 27th and 28th road closures cancelled. Temporary road delay scheduled for Feb 28th from 05:00 to 08:00.
SPMTs deliver counterweights to the launch site overnight, and head towards S28.
Workers secure S28 forward flaps.
Ship transport stand positioned to receive S28, and counterweights are loaded onto GMK 7550 crane.
Chopstick ship pin tested. Extension and retraction.
Booster transport stand hesitantly approaches Megabay 1 and enters.
Starfactory progress continues. Starbase Surfer closeup and alternate angle.
RGV Aerial glamour shot of Rocket Garden.
Texas Parks and Wildlife out at the launch area, likely cleaning up debris.
Booster engine compartment dividers spotted on their way to Starbase. The dividers are corrugated core sandwich panels.
The two horizontal cryo tanks coming from Florida are now on their way. Additional cryo tanks coming from overseas. Arriving ~Mar 5th and 4th.

Starbase activities (2024-02-28):

B10 is loaded onto transport stand, rolls out to launch pad (RGV Aerial closeup), chopsticks close in (NSF hug shot), and B10 is lifted onto the OLM (NSF angle). Raptors are wearing protection.
Black LR 11000 crane swings towards S28, picks up the ship lifting jig, sub-orbital pad cleared of non-essential personnel, S28 is hooked up, and lifted onto ship transport stand.
Can't quite tell what this is a closeup of, but it looks cool. Booster QD?
The three grey torpedo tanks are shuttled from D2 to D4 (tank 1, tank 2, tank 3), and lifted into place by the Yellow GMK 7550 crane.
Cryo deliveries continue.
B14 stacking continues, and another section is spotted.
Temporary road delay scheduled for Feb 29th from 11:00 to 13:00 or 19:00 to 21:00.

Starbase activities (2024-01-16):

B13 methane tank stacking begins.
8th horizontal tank is delivered to launch site and slotted into position.
Not sure who's keeping track, but there have apparently been 400 LN2 deliveries to the launch site since IFT-2.

Starbase activities (2024-01-28):

S26 lifted off engine install stand, and rolls further into Rocket Garden.
S28 lifted onto engine install stand. (closeup video)
Reinforcement of OTF tank shells continues.
A tank is removed from suborbital farm and replaced with another. The removed tank then moves to Massey's.
Starfactory progress: Large boxes (possibly air-conditioners) lifted onto roof.
S26: Couplers are added to join the 2nd and 3rd rows of stringers. Mystery continues.
Starkitty sighted :)

carleeno reply

reddthat.com

I didn't know Starkitty was famous! I saw her chilling by my car when I visited a couple of weeks ago (potato zoom)

Also, thanks for these summaries! I really appreciate not having to fire up Reddit just to get my starship updates :)

So cool that you met (or at least saw) Starkitty! I'd love to visit Starbase one day.

Also, you're welcome! I had hoped for a bit more discussion in these threads, but I suppose the community is still a bit small for that. Glad people appreciate the updates!

Starbase activities (2024-01-27):

Quiet Saturday.
S28 rolls out of Highbay and then to Rocket Garden. StarGazer photo and nose closeup.
Starkitty sighted :)

Other:

6-Tier Open Parking Garage to be constructed.

Starbase activities (2024-01-26):

12th stringer installed on the OTF shells.
Many boom lifts at the OLM. OLM legs are painted, and tower received blast protection.
Assembly of launch tower sections begins with a vertical column.
B10 hotstaging ring moves from Starfactory to Megabay 1 and is installed on B10.
Door is installed on Megabay 1 :(
Starfactory progress: Morning and evening. More columns and beams added.

With some nitter instances down or rate limited, I'm trying out twiiit, which should automatically redirect to a working instance.

Starbase activities (2024-01-10):

GSE-8 scrapping continues, tank base removed as well. Workers inspecting remaining tank shells. Unclear if this indicates further removals in the coming days.
Cement truck delivery to the launch site, likely replacement Fondag for test stand B.
S30 moves from Massey's to Rocket Garden, then to High Bay.
S31 receives her 2nd aft flap and emerges from the High Bay.
B12 cryo test at Massey's.
Tent #3 shutting down and contents being emptied. Demolition likely coming soon, ahead of further Starfactory expansion.
Big lifting machine lifts a smaller lifting machine.

Decronym

lemmy.decronym.xyz

Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread:

Fewer Letters	More Letters
FAA	Federal Aviation Administration
FTS	Flight Termination System
GSE	Ground Support Equipment
KSC	Kennedy Space Center, Florida
LN2	Liquid Nitrogen
LOX	Liquid Oxygen
NET	No Earlier Than
NSF	NasaSpaceFlight forum
~	National Science Foundation
OLIT	Orbital Launch Integration Tower
OLM	Orbital Launch Mount
OTF	Orbital Tank Farm
QD	Quick-Disconnect
RUD	Rapid Unplanned Disassembly
~	Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly
~	Rapid Unintended Disassembly
SLC-37	Space Launch Complex 37, Canaveral (ULA Delta IV)
SPMT	Self-Propelled Mobile Transporter
TPS	Thermal Protection System for a spacecraft (on the Falcon 9 first stage, the engine "Dance floor")
ULA	United Launch Alliance (Lockheed/Boeing joint venture)
VAB	Vehicle Assembly Building
WDR	Wet Dress Rehearsal (with fuel onboard)

Jargon	Definition
Raptor	Methane-fueled rocket engine under development by SpaceX
iron waffle	Compact "waffle-iron" aerodynamic control surface, acts as a wing without needing to be as large; also, "grid fin"
turbopump	High-pressure turbine-driven propellant pump connected to a rocket combustion chamber; raises chamber pressure, and thrust

[Thread #29 for this sub, first seen 13th Jan 2024, 05:40] [FAQ] [Full list] [Contact] [Source code]

Starbase activities (2024-01-09):

Weather improves.
At the launch site, the LR11000 removes the first of the vertical inner tanks (GSE #8) and scrapping begins.
At the build site, an unknown nosecone with only a few TPS pins emerges from a tent.
S26 disconnected from LR1750 again. S26 mystery continues.
At Massey's, S30 moves a tiny bit, possibly in advance of transport back to build site.

Other:

IFT-3 is NET February, as per Jessica Jensen, VP of Customer Operations and Integration at SpaceX. (Reported by Eric Berger and Jeff Foust)
Not too surprising, but Artemis II officially slips to 2025-09, and Artemis III slips to 2026-09.

stevecrox

kbin.run

Have you considered migrating to a magazine on Kbin/MBin?

The daily updates are quite useful but currently my means of finding them is via your posts in Reddit. The post views in Lemmy discourage you to go into spaces and I don't think thread pinning translates accross instances.

KBin/Mbin support the short message format in Activity Pub so creating a thread on that platform should reflect into Mastodon and Mastodon comments will come through into the post. If you add a couple of hashtags it would also help discoverability.

Your posts are the most useful ones for daily summaries and probably the most useful contribution to the reddit starship dev thread.

Interesting, I had not considered migrating to a Kbin/Mbin magazine.

I don’t think thread pinning translates accross instances

From a brief look, thread pinning seems to federate across Lemmy instances, but not to Kbin.

Your posts are the most useful ones for daily summaries and probably the most useful contribution to the reddit starship dev thread.

Thanks! Glad people find them useful.

I'm not too familiar with Kbin/Mbin, so I do not feel ready to migrate the entire community at this time. However, if you were to create a SpaceX magazine, I could probably post these updates there as well. If the magazine gains more traction, we could reconsider migrating this community at a later date.

What are your thoughts? Anything I should know about Kbin/Mbin? (What's the difference?) What are the "short message format" and a "thread" in those contexts? Do they have Lemmy analogues?

stevecrox reply

kbin.run

I shall have a think where it makes sense to create one. Lits were created a while back and seem to have been purged

Short Message Format = Tweet Thread = post

KBin calls a community a "magazine" and Magazine mods can associate hashtags with the Magazine.

The idea is from your instance you can look at the thread view or microblog (tweet) view.

KBin was started by a person called Ernest, he doesn't seem particularly great at accepting outside help. A number of people who wanted to contribute but found their work stuck for review for months forked KBin and called it MBin.