re tile thirty - June 25, 2024
After a round of slaps yesterday and another slap done a few minutes ago, it looks like SpaceX might be testing the alignment of the chopstick landing rail with the lifting points on B14.1nsf.live/starbase
Shortly after this SpaceX performed another slap but this time higher than the slaps from yesterday. They've done that now two times, this is video of that second time. The chopsticks have gone down since and they may be slapping lower like yesterday.nsf.live/starbase
We just released this week's Starbase Flyover Update with analysis of Ship 30 work, Starbase Tower 2, B14.1 chopstick testing and more! Watch it at
Starbase team testing the tower chopsticks for the upcoming catch of a Super Heavy booster
Returning the booster after launch is a core capability to Starship becoming rapidly and reliably reusable
Flight 5 in 4 weeks
Pad B Starts to Rise As Booster 12 Static Fire nearswritten by Ryan Weber July 5, 2024 SpaceX preparations for flight 5 of Starship continue to focus on replacing Ship 30’s heat shield as teams prepare for Booster 12 to roll out for a static fire this upcoming week. Meanwhile, long-term planning centers around Pad B construction at the launch site.
Super Heavy Booster 12 rolling out to the launch complex for static fire testing prior to Starship Flight 5. 7/9/24
Booster 12 rollout to the launch site.Live Commentary: youtube.com/watch?v=AX3Tfz…
This morning, SpaceX rolled Booster 12 to the pad ahead of Starship Flight 5.Timelapse from one of @NASASpaceflight Starbase Live robotic cameras.Watch live views as SpaceX clears the Orbital Launch Pad to lift B12 onto the OLM.nsf.live/starbase
Flight 5 Super Heavy booster moved to the pad at Starbase
Booster 12 has been stacked on the OLM ahead of a potential static fire tomorrow.@NASASpaceflight Nsf.live/starbase
Time-lapse of Booster 12 being lifted overnight onto the Orbital Launch Mount after arriving earlier in the day ahead of a potential Static fire test as early as today. @NASASpaceflight Starbase Live 24/7 nsf.live/starbase
Booster 12 is putting on a night show with some venting.With the road closed, we might be getting some proof testing during the final part of this test window.nsf.live/starbase
And the road has now opened. So that was the conclusion of the testing (the venting).
The Tank Farm is coming to life ahead of Booster 12 testing today.nsf.live/starbase
Well this is an interesting test on Booster 12.nsf.live/starbase
Booster 12 Spin Prime test complete.youtube.com/live/qyu9bOKtS…
And we have OLM vent. Finally moving ahead for test. Means T-0 is roughly 10:30 a.m. local.
Booster 12 Static Fire attempt.Live commentary:youtube.com/live/8x7YjQAs4…
STATIC FIRE! Booster 12 fires up ahead of Flight 5. The current expectation is this booster will be the first to return to the launch site for a catch by the Mechazilla Chopsticks.➡️youtube.com/live/8x7YjQAs4…
Multi-angle replay of Booster 12's Static Fire test.
Booster 12 Static Fire.@NASASpaceflight nsf.live/starbase
Full duration static fire of Flight 5 Super Heavy booster
Booster 12 static fire as seen from Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island. Listen for the audio!IPhone 14pro at 9x zoom@NASASpaceflight Watch replay of stream here: youtube.com/live/8x7YjQAs4…
SpaceX continues to push towards Flight 5 and build the second tower at Starbase. Covering the latest, Justin Davenport (@Bubbinski).
Booster 12 is in the air!.@NASASpaceflight nsf.live/starbase
Timelapse of the destack of Starship Booster 12, less then a day after its successful Static Fire Test. It is expected that it will be rolled back to the production site later today, for final work ahead of Flight 5. @NASASpaceflight Starbase Live 24/7 nsf.live/starbase
Starship 30 with a new improved heatshield has been lifted onto the static fire transport stand tonight for movement to Massey's test site tomorrow. 7/20/24
Starship Flight 5 preps: Ship 30 is in the air and being placed on the Static Fire stand for the roll to Masseys tomorrow. Due to the replacement of a RVac engine, Ship 30 needs to Static Fire one more time.nsf.live/starbase
Re-tiled 30 w some morning light - July 21, 2024
Ship 30 has been rolled out to Massey's test site for a second static fire in preparation for Starship Flight 5. Ship 30 has recently had its entire heat shield replaced to mitigate some issues seen on Flight 4.➡️
The next Starship to launch into space, Ship 30, fired up its engines at Massey's today. This shot is 120fps played back at 30fps, watch for the shockwaves in the exhaust plume! @NASASpaceflightRewatch the static fire test on this week's Flame Trench >
SpaceX Ship 30 Static Fire.@RocketRanchTX @NASASpaceflight
Ship 30 (Flight 5) is taking a weekend stroll from Masseys back to the Production Site following its Static Fire test on Friday. nsf.live/starbase
Flight 5's Ship 30 is returning from Masseys to the Production Site. Its next roll should be to the launch site along with Booster 12 for integrated testing.nsf.live/starbase
Starship 30 rolling down Hwy 4 today on its way back to the Production Site today for final launch preps. @NASASpaceflight
SpaceX@SpaceXSlow motion view of Flight 5 Starship’s six Raptor engines during static fire
Full duration static fire of Flight 5 Starship
Ship 30 rolls back to the Production Site after engine testing at the Massey Outpost. @NASASpaceflight
From a standpoint of when Starship is ready, it probably is about 2 or 3 weeks, but it then depends on when we get the FAA licence. So it’s probably end of August is my guess, at the earliest, and it may go to early September. It just depends on how fast the FAA grants our licence.
Breaking: Elon Musk predicts 50% chance of catching booster on Flight 5.Roughly 60% chance of ship’s heat shield surviving reentry IFT5 NET late Aug/early Sept
Ship 30 Rolled Back for Launch Preparations | SpaceX Boca Chica - 27-29 July 2024QuoteJul 30, 2024 After completing its second static fire test, Ship 30 was rolled back to the production site to receive its final preparations for Starship Flight 5. Also, Launch Tower 2 continues to rise above the Starbase skyline.🎥 Video from Jack (@theJackBeyer), Sean (@SeanKD_Photos), and Starbase Live.✂️ Edited by Thomas (@_thomashayden).Timestamps:0:00 Test Tank 16 Rolls Back1:06 Ship 30 Returns From Massey’s4:01 S30 Lifted Onto Transport Stand4:08 Ship 30 Rolled to Rocket Garden4:31 Plate Removed From Tower 24:45 Ship 30’s Flaps Deployed4:55 The Production Site5:08 Tower 2 Chopstick Carriage5:18 The Rocket Garden5:52 Ship 31 in the High Bay6:15 The New Office Building6:28 The Launch Site6:41 Orbital Launch Tower 26:55 Starhopper7:10 Crabs on the Move
Jul 30, 2024 After completing its second static fire test, Ship 30 was rolled back to the production site to receive its final preparations for Starship Flight 5. Also, Launch Tower 2 continues to rise above the Starbase skyline.🎥 Video from Jack (@theJackBeyer), Sean (@SeanKD_Photos), and Starbase Live.✂️ Edited by Thomas (@_thomashayden).Timestamps:0:00 Test Tank 16 Rolls Back1:06 Ship 30 Returns From Massey’s4:01 S30 Lifted Onto Transport Stand4:08 Ship 30 Rolled to Rocket Garden4:31 Plate Removed From Tower 24:45 Ship 30’s Flaps Deployed4:55 The Production Site5:08 Tower 2 Chopstick Carriage5:18 The Rocket Garden5:52 Ship 31 in the High Bay6:15 The New Office Building6:28 The Launch Site6:41 Orbital Launch Tower 26:55 Starhopper7:10 Crabs on the Move
The latest from Starbase as the path toward Flight 5 continues, along with the assembly of the second launch tower.By Aaron McCrea (@AaronMc286)
Additional tiles have been added to the leeward bottom of the fwd flap hinge, I think we all know why 😆📸: @LabPadre | youtube.com/live/Rg7kw-KLD…
Somebody said they wanted to see a detail shot of the topside of 30s flaps. This work for everybody?
Looks like we found the reason for Ship 30's return to Mega Bay 2. Raptor Vacuum engine #398 has been removed, and replacement #384 rolled around.
Looks like S30 will indeed perform another Static Fire test after one of its RVac engines was swapped out a few days ago.
SpaceX is likely running Superheavy catch profiles at McGregor ahead of Flight 5's catch attempt! This morning's relight had a 3m 13s gap - the same as B11's center engines from boostback shutdown to landing burnWatch at @NASASpaceflight's McGregor Live!nsf.live/mcgregor
Ship 30 is set to roll to Masseys shortly. The Ship for Flight 5 had an engine swapped out after its recent Static Fire test, so it's required to repeat the test.nsf.live/starbase
Ship 30 on the move towards Massey's for Another Static Fire?Catch it live at nsf.live/c/starbase <- Starbase Live @NASASpaceflight
B14.1 has arrived back at the Starbase Launch Site, ahead of what is expected to be more chopstick testing, either one stick "slap" tests or two stick "clap" tests. @NASASpaceflight Starbase Live nsf.live/starbase
Test tank 14.1 is being lifted onto the orbital launch mount for more “slap” testing. 🚀😆@NASASpaceflight
B14.1 is being lifted atop the OLM for some additional slap tests by the chopsticks. Potentially both sticks this time. This is all related to testing for catching Booster 12 during Flight 5.nsf.live/starbase
Ship 30 (Flight 5) has completed a Spin Prime test at Masseys.nsf.live/starbase
Flight 5 Starship and Super Heavy are ready to fly, pending regulatory approval. Additional booster catch testing and Flight 6 vehicle testing is planned while waiting for clearance to fly
Ship 30 (Flight 5) is returning to the Production Site from SpaceX Masseys following a Spin Prime test relating to an RVac swap out. nsf.live/starbase
Ship 30 rolling back to the Production Site early this morning. @NASASpaceflight nsf.live/starbase
Aug 10, 2024 STARBASEShip 30 rolled out to Masseys for a Spin Prime, Chopstick work continues, and Booster 14.1 is ready for some slapping on the OLM.🎥 Video from Mary (@BocaChicaGal), Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer) and Starbase Live.✂️ Edited by Derek Schumer.August 6, 202400:08 – Ship 30 Rolls Out00:22 – Continued OLM Work00:31- Orbital Pad B Concrete Work00:45 - B14.1 Receiving Some Work00:58- Ship 31 Tile Work01:08- Chopstick Work Continues01:20- Ground Work at Orbital Pad B01:41- Work on the Ship Quick Disconnect01:53- More Base Concrete Work02:03- Scaffolding Removed from the BaseAugust 7, 202402:17 – Work on the Chopsticks02:29 – B14.1 Test Tank Rolled to the Pad03:13 – Module 6 Transport Roll Back03:27 – Work on the Office Building03:51 – Loadspreader Taken to the Pad04:06 – B14.1 Attached to a Crane04:28 – B14.1 Lifted onto the OLM04:59 – Ship 30 Spin Prime TestAugust 8, 202405:11 – Ship 33 Stacked05:24 – CC 8800-1 Crane Boom Removed05:39 – CC 8800-1 Crane Extension Placed05:55 – CC 8800-1 Crane Boom Replaced06:09 – SPMT From the Pad to StorageAugust 9, 202406:24 – Ship 30 Rolled Back to Mega Bay 206:55 – More Work on the Office Building07:10 – Ship 30 Prepared for Lift07:25 – Ship 30 and Test Stand Moved 07:54 – CC 8800-1 Crane Lift Attempt
Very soon the fifth launch of the starship!!A little reminder of the last launch, SpaceX video: so much emotion!
About 3 weeks
ICYMI: #Starship S30 now has its markings ahead of Flight 5. @NASASpaceflightSeems a bit odd that they weren’t present on S29 for Flight 4, but I digress. 🤷♂️Keep up with the latest from Starbase: https://nsf.live/starbase
SpaceX have been spending the last couple hours squeezing B14.1 in various locations and measuring the data through strain gages installed on the vehicle! Not obvious until sped up! 📸: @LabPadre | youtube.com/live/tS2PHJmvJ…
B14.1 grabbed by both chopsticks as SpaceX continues to test Mechazilla ahead of potentially catching Booster 12 during Starship Flight 5.X2 speed. Should be a lot more testing. nsf.live/starbase
Another, and this in real-time.
The chopsticks are learning.B14.1 taking the slaps so that by the time Booster 12 is the catch subject, the sticks will have been calibrated as well as they can be. nsf.live/starbase
Compilation timelapse of 6 tests performed by SpaceX teams today at Starbase to simulate booster catching, including double chopstick testing for the first time, hopefully we will see more such tests in the coming days.@NASASpaceflight Starbase Live nsf.live/starbase
Approximately half an hour ago, SpaceX lifted B14.1 off of the OLM after it's slap testing campaign today. With a road delay tonight, I would expect B14.1 to potentially roll back soon.Watch live on @NASASpaceflight's Starbase Livensf.live/starbase
After completing another set of testing with the chopsticks, B14.1 has been rolled back to the production site at Starbase. It remains to be seen what future plans SpaceX has for this test tank. @NASASpaceflight Starbase Live nsf.live/starbase
Paint is being stripped from over all the weld marks on the long vertical supports of the Chopsticks. This may be for inspecting the welds to make sure the arms don't collapse during the catch attempt.Given the location, its also possible they are planning to add additional bracing to help strengthen Mechazilla's "shoulder muscles".📸: @LabPadre
Well, we now have our answer...large weld doubler plates are being installed over all of the seems on the vertical members of the chopsticks. They kind of look like massive stitches. This should reinforce the "shoulder muscles" and make them more resistant to buckling.I was originally expecting full collars to go over the welds, but this is a lot more tedious. Currently it looks like these are just being spot welded in place. They may go back later and weld around the full perimeter of each plate.There are at least 32 areas so far where this reinforcement will be added. It appears there will be about 12 doubler plates on each seam for a total of ~384. Assuming these take about an hour each, I think this may take at least 2 weeks to finish. I wouldn't be surprised to see them add these in other locations as well!Its insane how much the chopsticks have been beefed up in the last few months! They are taking this very seriously📽️: @LabPadre
Cool new Mechazilla decal added on S30. 🚀🔥@NASASpaceflight
Statement from the @FAANews about @SpaceX Flight 5 of Starship. The FAA is evaluating the SpaceX proposed modifications of the launch license. @NASASpaceflight
"The FAA is evaluating SpaceX's proposed license modification for its Starship Flight 5 mission. SpaceX must meet all safety, environmental and other licensing requirements prior to FAA authorization. Safety will drive the timeline. Please contact SpaceX for information about the proposed changes to its license."The FAA responding to NSF
At NAC-HEO, Cathy Koerner (head of ESDMD) says they are looking forward to SpaceX's 5th Starship test "later this fall."
BQD testing on @LabPadre #R2 (real time with audio). Early signs that SpaceX may be approaching the end of the modifications done recently at the Launch Pad. Let's hope the next round of catch testing proves successful and they can, at last, bring launch vehicles back.
More Mechazilla Booster Catching testing is going on at Starbase Tower 1.This was the fastest the chopsticks have closed in the catch position on the tower so far. Since then, the sticks have lowered, as if with a caught booster.nsf.live/starbase
Some really fascinating details here. Chief among them is that the current *estimate* for a license for Flight 5 is late November. Give it a read!
Landing Rails on the Mechazilla chopsticks, time-lapsed:nsf.live/starbase
That was a speedy test from the chopsticks!Real time:nsf.live/starbase
Booster 12 has rolled out of Megabay 1 this evening and is expected to roll out to the launch complex overnight. Some new black-painted stringers have been added. 9/19/24
Booster 12, led by its Hot Staging Ring (HSR), is heading to the launch site, with Ship 30 potentially rolling later, too.Live Commentary on X and YT:youtube.com/watch?v=XwNOPP…
Timelapse of Starship B12 and its hot stage ring rolling out from the production site to the launch site at Starbase, ahead of the next stage of pre-flight preparations, potentially including full stack testing, with S30.@NASASpaceflight rollout stream: youtube.com/watch?v=XwNOPP…
Booster 12 lifted way up the Tower, just like it would be if caught during landing.nsf.live/starbase
Imagine if this is the scene when Booster 12 returns during Flight 5!
Following Booster 12's rise to catch height, the chopsticks are now lowering it into the OLM. This testing explains why the Hot Staging Ring was not installed before rollout, as the catch will be after the booster jettisons the HSR. nsf.live/starbase
Super Heavy Booster 12 was lifted all the way to the top of the tower to the catch position this morning. The first time a booster has ever been lifted that high. 9/20/24
Starbase tower lifts the Super Heavy booster for Flight 5 to expected catch height
Ship 30 is on the move, so a trip to the launch site and a Flight 5 full stack are on the cards!nsf.live/starbase
Ship 30 is on Highway 4 and rolling to the launch site to meet its bestest friend Booster 12.youtube.com/live/63UMQxfhh…
Flight 5 Starship moved to the pad at Starbase
Ship 30 rolling out to the launch site for some full stack testing this afternoon. @NASASpaceflight Rewatch the rollout stream here: youtube.com/live/63UMQxfhh…
Timelapse of the team at Starbase lifting the Hot Stage Ring (HSR) ahead of the expected stack of S30 on top, and potential full stack testing as part of the flight 5 preparation. @NASASpaceflightStarbase Live nsf.live/starbase
Booster 12 and Ship 30 full stack in progress at Starbase! 🔥🚀🔥youtube.com/live/3QU43FwDK…@NASASpaceflight
Ship 30 is rotating over to Booster 12 - Raptors on show.youtube.com/live/3QU43FwDK…
Welcome back, Full Stack Starship. Flight 5's Booster 12 and Ship 30.nsf.live/starbase
We Have A Full Stack! (Again)Timelapse of Starship S30 being stack on top of B12 for the very first time, ahead of expected full stack testing in the coming days. @NASASpaceflight Starbase Live nsf.live/starbase
Starship stacked for Flight 5 and ready for launch, pending regulatory approval
Ship Quick Disconnect (SQD) pretending it's T-0 with the fast retraction testing.youtube.com/watch?v=3TobeG…
Another Starbase Sunset. @NASASpaceflight
South Texas Starship. @NASASpaceflight
Flight 5 Starship ahead of testing today. Ship 30's TPS looks super clean.nsf.live/starbase
Loading for partial test complete. Vents back.
After stacking over the weekend teams at Starbase performed a partial tanking test on Starship B12& S30 full stack. It remains to be seen what other testing SpaceX plans to perform while the Flight 5 vehicles are at the pad. @NASASpaceflightStarbase Live nsf.live/starbase
Propellant load test and preflight checkouts complete ahead of Flight 5
Starship Flight 5 conducts full stack testing ahead of launch. There is still a potential full WDR to complete, but that is usually closer to the launch date, which is still some time away at present.Overview by Aaron McCrea (@AaronMc286)
SpaceX engineers have spent years preparing and months testing for the booster catch attempt on Flight 5, with technicians pouring tens of thousands of hours into building the infrastructure to maximize our chances for success
Sunset on Flight 5 Starship
Friday night lights in Starbase, Texas
SQD (Ship Quick Disconnect) retracting from Ship 30. Potentially the opening steps to Flight 5 Starship heading towards a destack.nsf.live/starbase
Ship 30 destack. nsf.live/starbase
Nine days after being stacked, and undergoing a partial full stack tanking test, Starship S30 has been de-stacked from atop B12. It remains to be seen what SpaceX plans next, as preparations for flight 5 continue.@NASASpaceflight Starbase Live ➡️nsf.live/starbase
Scenes from Ship 30 destack earlier today. @NASASpaceflight nsf.live/starbase
I must have been just walking upstairs to bed as this happened! 🫤 B12's HSR has been removed.@LabPadre #R2
A crew lift went up to the top of B12 around 1am and has been there ever since. Looks like SpaceX needed access to the top of the booster. Maybe an issue with the grid fin motors?@LabPadre #VRCam #VRViX
With S334 being visable in E1 we finally have the full set of raptors known/SL locations!R334 (Or SN334??) was previously used as a demo just beofore it would have been installed, hence it already having its tvc arms.
Another Starbase Sunset @NASASpaceflight nsf.live/starbase
BREAKING: US Coast Guard documentation indicates a NET Launch Date of @SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 of October 12, between 07:00 and 08:10 local time.This is ~6 weeks earlier than what had previously been said publicly by @SpaceX and the @FAANews.This is a Notice To Mariners (NOTMAR), and is just a warning to to "mariners operating offshore". This has nothing to do with a launch licence. Link to the notice →
I've heard chatter that an earlier Starship launch is possible, including some time in October. But nothing is finalized.
We asked the @FAANews about today´s published NOTMARs for Starship Flight 5.The FAA confirmed that the statement from September 11, still stands, and Starship Flight 5 is not expected before late November.@NASASpaceflight
...This is a Notice To Mariners (NOTMAR), and is just a warning to to "mariners operating offshore"....
F3682/24 NOTAMNQ) YMMM/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/2209S09449E999A) YMMMB) 2410131242 C) 2410191505D) 2410131242 TO 2410131505 2410141242 TO 2410141635 2410151242 TO 2410151635 2410161242 TO 2410161635 2410171242 TO 2410171635 2410181242 TO 2410181505 2410191242 TO 2410191505E) ROCKET LAUNCH WILL TAKE PLACEFLW RECEIVED FROM GOVERNMENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:HAZARDOUS OPS WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR ATMOSPHERIC RE-ENTRY ANDSPLASHDOWN OF SPACEX STARSHIP FLT-5 STAGE 2 WI THE FOLLOWING AREAS:2443S 07500E2353S 07935E2249S 08417E2129S 08853E2034S 09255E1921S 09606E1732S 10128E1607S 10543E1457S 11344E1529S 11354E1724S 11056E1924S 10804E2133S 10428E2303S 09947E2421S 09346E2501S 08929E2535S 08501E2609S 08007E2702S 07500E TO BEGINNINGF) SFC G) UNL
First NOTAM is out:
First NOTAM is out:QuoteF3682/24 NOTAMNQ) YMMM/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/2209S09449E999A) YMMMB) 2410131242 C) 2410191505D) 2410131242 TO 2410131505 2410141242 TO 2410141635 2410151242 TO 2410151635 2410161242 TO 2410161635 2410171242 TO 2410171635 2410181242 TO 2410181505 2410191242 TO 2410191505E) ROCKET LAUNCH WILL TAKE PLACEFLW RECEIVED FROM GOVERNMENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:HAZARDOUS OPS WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR ATMOSPHERIC RE-ENTRY ANDSPLASHDOWN OF SPACEX STARSHIP FLT-5 STAGE 2 WI THE FOLLOWING AREAS:2443S 07500E2353S 07935E2249S 08417E2129S 08853E2034S 09255E1921S 09606E1732S 10128E1607S 10543E1457S 11344E1529S 11354E1724S 11056E1924S 10804E2133S 10428E2303S 09947E2421S 09346E2501S 08929E2535S 08501E2609S 08007E2702S 07500E TO BEGINNINGF) SFC G) UNL
A Mexican airspace NOTAM has been released for Starship Flight 5, NET October 13th. Given how this notice (red) is wider and considerably different in shape to it's Flight 4 counterpart in orange, it seems like a booster catch is still on the cards.
#101Stuctural testing on the Chopstick today
gorgeous views of the info patch confirming the weight of the bigger bags
Updated load gif. On the 5th and 6th frames, it looks like the chopsticks splay out...most visible on the lower horizontal tube of the arms.Estimated load on each side is 250T...3 bags each side, 2 x 100T plus one x 50T. 500T total load.@LabPadre #R2
The Hotstage Ring has been lifted and fitted back on top of B12. When do you think we'll see this Starship fully stacked again?
The Booster Hot Staging Ring (HSR) is back atop Booster 12 and Ship 30's flaps have been opened. This is setting the stage for returning to full stack this weekend, and further pre-Flight 5 propellant testing next week.nsf.live/starbase
Flight 5 returning to the Booster 12 and Ship 30 full stack!youtube.com/watch?v=NH9eZS…
Wow, this is moving!
Pivot time. Also, Raptors.
Nearly down.
Starship Flight 5 (Booster 12/Ship 30) is fully stacked for propellant testing (up to a WDR) next week. youtube.com/watch?v=NH9eZS…
Always a cool sight:
The Starship flight five full stack is back in the spotlight. @NASASpaceflight Rewatch our live stream of the lift here: youtube.com/live/NH9eZS-N-…
Flight 5 Starship: Chopsticks opening ahead of today's fueling test.nsf.live/starbase
With none of the usual signs for WDR, this will likely be a partial tanking test like the one from a few weeks ago
Closing in on prop loading Flight 5 Starship for an expected partial WDR test.youtube.com/live/Xv2lzAPsT…
Ship 30 and Booster 12 are into prop loading.youtube.com/live/Xv2lzAPsT…
With the return of the B12&S20 full stack, SpaceX teams performed another partial tanking test, as part of the ongoing preparations for flight 5 of Starship.@NASASpaceflightStarbase Live nsf.live/starbase
Starship’s fifth flight test is preparing to launch as soon as October 13, pending regulatory approval → http://spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-5
STARSHIP'S FIFTH FLIGHT TESTStarship's fifth flight test could launch as soon as October 13, pending regulatory approval.A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app. The launch window will open as early as 7:00 a.m. CT. As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to stay tuned to our X account for updates.Flight 4 was a tremendous success. A fully successful ascent was followed by the first ever booster soft-landing in the Gulf of Mexico and Starship making it through a brilliant reentry, before its own landing burn and splashdown in the Indian Ocean.The fifth flight test of Starship will aim to take another step towards full and rapid reusability. The primary objectives will be attempting the first ever return to launch site and catch of the Super Heavy booster and another Starship reentry and landing burn, aiming for an on-target splashdown of Starship in the Indian Ocean.Extensive upgrades ahead of this flight test have been made to hardware and software across Super Heavy, Starship, and the launch and catch tower infrastructure at Starbase. SpaceX engineers have spent years preparing and months testing for the booster catch attempt, with technicians pouring tens of thousands of hours into building the infrastructure to maximize our chances for success. We accept no compromises when it comes to ensuring the safety of the public and our team, and the return will only be attempted if conditions are right.Thousands of distinct vehicle and pad criteria must be met prior to a return and catch attempt of the Super Heavy booster, which will require healthy systems on the booster and tower and a manual command from the mission’s Flight Director. If this command is not sent prior to the completion of the boostback burn, or if automated health checks show unacceptable conditions with Super Heavy or the tower, the booster will default to a trajectory that takes it to a landing burn and soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.The returning booster will slow down from supersonic speeds, resulting in audible sonic booms in the area around the landing zone. Generally, the only impact to those in the surrounding area of a sonic boom is the brief thunder-like noise with variables like weather and distance from the return site determining the magnitude experienced by observers.Starship will fly a similar trajectory as the previous flight test with splashdown targeted in the Indian Ocean. This flight path does not require a deorbit burn for reentry, maximizing public safety while still providing the opportunity to meet our primary objective of a controlled reentry and soft water landing of Starship.One of the key upgrades on Starship ahead of flight was a complete rework of its heatshield, with SpaceX technicians spending more than 12,000 hours replacing the entire thermal protection system with newer-generation tiles, a backup ablative layer, and additional protections between the flap structures. This massive effort, along with updates to the ship’s operations and software for reentry and landing burn, will look to improve upon the previous flight and bring Starship to a soft splashdown at the target area in the Indian Ocean.With each flight building on the learnings from the last, testing improvements in hardware and operations across every facet of Starship, we’re on the verge of demonstrating techniques fundamental to Starship’s fully and rapidly reusable design. By continuing to push our hardware in a flight environment, and doing so as safely and frequently as possible, we’ll rapidly bring Starship online and revolutionize humanity’s ability to access space.
COUNTDOWNAll Times ApproximateHR/MIN/SEC EVENT01:15:00 SpaceX Flight Director conducts poll and verifies GO for propellant load00:49:50 Ship fuel (liquid methane) load underway00:48:40 Ship LOX (liquid oxygen) load underway00:40:40 Booster fuel load underway00:34:03 Booster LOX load underway00:19:40 Raptor begins engine chill on booster and ship00:03:20 Ship propellant load complete00:02:50 Booster propellant load complete00:00:30 SpaceX flight director verifies GO for launch00:00:10 Flame deflector activation00:00:03 Raptor ignition sequence begins00:00:00 Excitement guaranteed
FLIGHT TEST TIMELINEAll Times ApproximateHR/MIN/SEC EVENT00:00:02 Liftoff00:01:02 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)00:02:33 Super Heavy MECO (most engines cut off)00:02:41 Hot-staging (Starship Raptor ignition and stage separation)00:02:48 Super Heavy boostback burn start00:03:41 Super Heavy boostback burn shutdown00:03:43 Hot-stage jettison00:06:08 Super Heavy is supersonic00:06:33 Super Heavy landing burn start00:06:50 Super Heavy splashdown if no catch attempt00:06:56 Super Heavy landing burn shutdown and catch attempt00:08:27 Starship engine cutoff00:48:03 Starship entry01:02:34 Starship is transonic01:03:43 Starship is subsonic01:05:15 Landing flip01:05:20 Landing burn01:05:34 An exciting landing!
Water Deluge System test at Starbase Pad A, before the potential October 13 launch attempt.The next milestone should be destack for pre-flight FTS work.nsf.live/starbase
SpaceX just conducted a double water deluge test! Presumably simulating the two necessary on launch day, one for launch itself and one for booster landing. @NASASpaceflight Rewatch them both on Starbase Live: nsf.live/starbase
Am told the regulatory approval from the FAA is indeed possible for a Starship launch by Sunday but not a certainty.
Starship Flight 5: SQD (Ship Quick Disconnect) has been retracted ahead of destacking later today. This is a nominal process in the path to launch to allow for the FTS (Flight Termination System) work to be completed.nsf.live/starbase
Ship 30 is being de-stacked @NASASpaceflight Starbase Live 24/7 nsf.live/starbase
Starship Flight 5: Ship 30 destack for FTS!nsf.live/starbase
With SpaceX officially targeting NET October 13th for Starship Flight 5 (pending regulatory approval), S30 was destacked from B12, for potentially final pre flight preparations (including FTS install).@NASASpaceflightStarbase Live nsf.live/starbase
Flight Road Closures are in place for Sunday! This seems to be happening.nextspaceflight.com/starship/@NASASpaceflight
I can't speak fully to upper-level wind constraints, but the surface forecast for a Starship launch on Sunday is outstanding: Clear skies, very light winds, and otherwise fair conditions.
