this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2025

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Starship Development Thread February 2025 (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works to c/spacex@sh.itjust.works

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SpaceX Starship page

FAQ

When next launch? (Flight 8) SpaceX have applied for the FCC (not FAA) license, launch NET Feb 24th. (Starship Gazer, FCC)
When previous launch? (Flight 7)? Booster 14 and Ship 33 launched on 2025-01-16.
What was the result? Booster lands on chopsticks, ship experiences an RUD shortly before SECO.

Quick Links

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

Road closures and road delays

Cameron County website - @bocaroad Mastodon bot

*As of 2025-02-02

2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 4th from 00:00 to 04:00 for transportation from factory to Massey's. Potential candidates are S34 static fire, Test Tank 16 cryo test, or B16 cryo test.
1-hour road delay is posted for Feb 8th from 00:00 to 06:00 for transportation from factory to launch pad. B15 rollout for static fire seems likely.
12-hour road closures are posted for Feb 9th, 10th, and 11th from 07:00 to 19:00 for non-flight testing activities.
2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 9th from 00:00 to 04:00 for transportation from Massey's to factory.
2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 10th from 00:00 to 04:00, 06:00 to 10:00, 12:00 to 16:00, 21:00 to 00:00, for transportation from factory to Massey's.
12-hour road closures for Feb 10th and 11th are revoked.
2-hour road delays are posted for Feb 12th and 13th, 00:00 to 04:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to Pad.
2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 12th, 00:00 to 04:00 or 18:00 to 22:00 for transport from Massey's to factory.
2-hour road delays are posted for Feb 13th and 14th, 00:00 to 04:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to Pad.
2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 12th, 20:00 to 00:00 for transport from Massey's to factory.
2-hour road delays are posted for Feb 13th and 14th, 00:00 to 04:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to Pad.

Vehicle Status

*As of 2025-02-10

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	Highbay	Scrapped	Fully stacked, fore flaps installed but not aft flaps. Scrapping began early Feb, ended mid Feb.
Test Tank 16	Massey's	Testing	Cryo tested four times between July and September. Sliding plates added to the catch points on Jan 27th.
S33	Caribbean	Destroyed	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. Starlink simulators loaded Jan 7th. Catch hardware installed Jan 8th. Wet dress rehearsal performed Jan 10th. Launched Jan 16th, experienced an RUD shortly before SECO.
S34	Megabay 2	Pending FTS install	Methane header tank spotted Aug 14th. Nosecone stacked on payload bay Sep 20th. Stacking completed around end of November. Cryo tested Jan 17th. Static fired Feb 11th.
S35	Megabay 2	Pending flap install	Parts spotted Sep 20th. Forward flap installation Dec 3rd. Nosecone stacked on payload bay Dec 11th. Stacked by Feb 7th.
S36	Megabay 2	Stacking	Parts spotted in December. Moved to Megabay 2 Feb 12th.
S37	Starfactory	Nose cone tiling	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 inspections	Stacked Apr 26th, Cryo tested Oct 4th and 5th. Static fired Dec 9th. FTS installed Jan 3rd. Wet dress rehearsal performed Jan 10th. Launched and landed Jan 16th.
B14.1	Megabay 1	Scrapping	Multiple catch simulation "slap tests" performed on Jun 26th and 27th. Scrapping started Jan 12th.
B15	Megabay 1	Pending hot staging adapter install	Stacked from July to September. Methane tank cryo test Dec 27th, full cryo test Dec 28th. Static fired Feb 9th.
B16	Megabay 1	Pending cryo test	Stacking completed by Dec 26th.
B17	Build Site	Assembly	Parts spotted. First two sections moved to Megabay 1 Jan 4th.

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

top 21 comments

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[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 21 hours ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-21):

Launch site: Feb 20th cryo delivery tally.
NSF post a timelapse of chopsticks activity. (NSF)
Another vertical tank is delivered to the tank farm. (ViX)
Another pump is installed at the tank farm. (ViX)
The yellow LR11000 crane moves away from the launch towers. (ViX)
Build site: B15's hotstage ring moves from Megabay 1 back to Starfactory. (ViX)
2-hour road delays are posted for Feb 21st and 22nd from 00:00 to 04:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to pad.

Flight 8:

Road closures are posted for Feb 26th, 27th, and 28th from 10:30 to 23:30 for flight testing activities. Feb 26th closure is scheduled.
Mexican NOTAM is posted. (ViX)
Australian NOTAM is posted. (VIX)

Flight 9:

FCC document includes the option of the Ship returning to the launch site. (NSF, FAA)

Other:

New episode of CSI Starbase: Why SpaceX Was Forced To Completely Redesign Stage Zero! | Part 2

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 day ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-20):

Launch site: Overnight, another tank is delivered. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
In the late morning, the lifted into position. (ViX)
The Pad A chopsticks are raised to max height and opened wide. This usually precedes Booster rollout, but no road closures have yet been scheduled. (NSF, ViX)
Build site: The hot stage adapter stand, now empty, moves from Megabay 1 to Starfactory. (ViX)
S32 scrapping continues. (ViX)

Flight 8:

FAA advisory indicates NET Feb 26th. (NSF, cadenaois.org (archive))

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 days ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-19):

2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 21st, 00:00 to 04:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to pad.
Another S32 section is moved to the scrap yard. (ViX)
S35 is being retro-fitted with doubler plates over the catch points. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
A hotstage adapter, presumably for B15, moves from Starfactory towards Megabay 1. (NSF, ViX)
A pink crane is delivered to the launch site. (ViX)

KSC:

The barge loaded with seven cryo tanks departs the turn basin. (NSF)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 days ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-18):

Feb 17th addendum: Pad B chopsticks timelapse. (ViX)
The first of the new pumps is installed at the tank farm. (ViX)
S36 forward section moves from Starfactory to Megabay 2. (ViX)
S32 sections are moved to the scrap yard. (ViX)
2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 20th, 00:00 to 04:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to pad.

KSC:

All seven cryo tanks are loaded on the barge. (ViX, Priel)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 4 days ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-17):

Launch site: The tethers on the chopsticks at Pad B are disconnected. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Gisler, cnunez)
First movement of chopsticks at Pad B is observed. (LabPadre, ViX, Canton)
New plumbing at the tank farm is underway. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
A truckload of cladding for Tower B arrives. (Golden 1, Golden 2)
Build site: Starlink simulators for flight 8 are delivered to Starfactory. (Starship Gazer)
Nosecones (S37 and S38?) in Starfactory. (Gisler)
S32 has been scrapped. (Gisler)
Assembly of the flame diverter for Pad B continues. (Gisler)
Test Tank 16 still at Massey's. (Gisler)
RGV Aerial post labeled diagrams of Massey's and Sanchez.

KSC:

Five of seven tanks are loaded onto a barge. (NSF, Cornwell, ViX)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 5 days ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-16):

Pretty quiet Sunday.
A coyote is sighted near the tank farm. (ViX)
NSF post video of recent chopstick actuator installation at Pad B. (NSF)

KSC:

The number of cryo tanks at the KSC turn basin has risen to six. (LabPadre)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 6 days ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-15):

Feb 14th cryo delivery tally.
Star factory video tour. A few new pieces of hardware are visible. (ViX)
Another section (F3:3) of B17's methane tank moves from Starfactory to Megabay 1. (ViX)

KSC:

SpaceX move four large cryo tanks from LC-39A to the KSC turn basin for loading onto an awaiting barge. (Cornwell 1, Cornwell 2, Cornwell 3, NSF)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Starbase activities (2025-02-01):

Jan 31st cryo delivery tally.
Pad A: Refurbishment continues. (cnunez 1, cnunez 2)
Pad B: The travelling block is installed on the chopsticks. (ViX, Starship Gazer, Priel, Golden)
Starship Gazer posts 4k video and photo slideshow of concrete pouring and work at the launch site.
Build site: S36 tile application is still in progress. (cnunez)
Sanchez: Pipe installation continues on the flame bucket for Pad B. (ViX)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 week ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-14):

Feb 13th cryo delivery tally.
Feb 13 addendum: Chopsticks movement timelapse. (ViX)
Launch site: The second vertical methane tank is erected at the tank farm. (ViX)
Concrete forms to extend the blast wall which protects the tank farm are installed. (Anderson)
Build site: A welding robot moves from the Highbay to Starfactory. (ViX)
Other: TCEQ approves the water deluge permit after thorough analysis and finding of no significant impact. (TCEQ, Anderson)
SpaceX propose to build a roundabout at the end of Highway 4. (Anderson)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 weeks ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-04):

Feb 3rd cryo delivery tally.
Masseys: Overnight, Test Tank 16 moves from Starfactory to Massey's. (Priel (now on BlueSky!), ViX, Starship Gazer, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
Build site: Pipes are delivered to Sanchez overnight. (Gisler)
Speculative renders of the new Starlink Pez loader. (Killip 1, Killip 2)
Launch site: Work continues at the tank farm and Tower B. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Gisler)
Pad B flame trench has reached its deepest. (RGV Aerial)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 weeks ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-02):

Feb 1st cryo delivery tally.
Build site: Starkitty is sighted. (ViX)
An aft flap moves from Starfactory to Megabay 2, likely the second flap for S34. (ViX, NSF)
Launch site: Some flame damage is visible on the Tower A cladding. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
Some cabling from the Drawworks platform is threaded through the hole roof of the Tower B base. (ViX, Anderson 1, Anderson 2)
Excavation for installation of piping/conduit is underway alongside Highway 4. (ViX)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 weeks ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-03):

Feb 2nd cryo delivery tally.
Build site: An aft flap is delivered to Starfactory. (ViX)
A Pez dispenser mechanism moves into Highbay and is lifted into the Starship loader. (Starship Gazer, Mary)
A stand moves from Starfactory to Megabay 2. (ViX)
Launch site: The chopsticks assembly jig is trucked out. (ViX)
Expansion of the tank farm continues. (ViX)
Two more valve sleds are lifted into place. (ViX)
A pump chamber and a pump are delivered. (ViX)
Anderson notes a difference in the number of pulleys (increased from five to seven) in the chopsticks block for Tower B. (Anderson)
Other: RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos of Starfactory and the entire Build site and Launch site.
TheSpaceEngineer speculates on the failure of S33: Video, Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3, tweet 4, tweet 5, tweet 6, tweet 7, tweet 8, tweet 9, tweet 10, tweet 11, tweet 12, tweet 13, tweet 14, tweet 15, tweet 16, tweet 17, tweet 18, tweet 19, tweet 20, tweet 21, tweet 22, tweet 23, tweet 24, tweet 25, tweet 26, ThreadReader Unrolled.

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 weeks ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-05):

Feb 4th cryo delivery tally.
Launch site: Water is delivered to top up the deluge system. (ViX)
Two large ducted fans are arrive, one of which is offloaded. These are likely for the dissipation of gaseous N2. (Golden, ViX)
Pad A: Booster quick disconnect performs a nitrogen purge for the first time since Flight 7. (Tyler Gray (now on BlueSky!))
Pad B: RGV Aerial post another recent flyover photo of the flame trench construction.
Build site: Pez dispenser loading mechanism moves from Highbay to Starfactory. (ViX)
Massey's: Cranes are observed operating near Test Tank 16. (ViX)
RGV Aerial post a labeled diagram of Massey's as of Feb 2nd.

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Starbase activities (2025-02-07):

Feb 6th cryo delivery tally.
Build site: S32 moves from Rocket Garden to Highbay. (Elisar Priel, ViX, Starship Gazer)
S35 has been stacked. (Tyler Gray, Starship Gazer)
Booster transport stand moves to Megabay 1. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
B15 emerges from Megabay 1. (Starship Gazer)
Launch site: Reeving of Tower B chopsticks cables continues. (ViX 1, ViX 2, LabPadre)
Chopsticks actuator moves from Sanchez to the Pad. (ViX, Anderson)
Miscellaneous media: Starship Gazer video and photo slideshow.
RGV Aerial post labeled photos of Sanchez and the launch site.
Road closures: 12-hour road closures are posted for Feb 9th, 10th, and 11th from 07:00 to 19:00 for non-flight testing activities.
2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 9th from 00:00 to 04:00 for transportation from Massey's to factory.
2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 10th from 00:00 to 04:00, 06:00 to 10:00, 12:00 to 16:00, 21:00 to 00:00, for transportation from factory to Massey's.

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Starbase activities (2025-02-08):

Feb 7th cryo delivery tally.
Pad A: B15 rolls out to Pad A. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, Starship Gazer, Priel, NSF, SpaceX)
B15 is lifted onto the launch mount. (ViX, Starship Gazer, Priel, NSF, cnunez 1, cnunez 2)
Launch mount work platform and booster transport stand move away from Pad A. (ViX)
Gisler closeup of tank farm.
Pad B: Reeving operations continue on Tower B. (Gisler)
Build site: S32 is hooked up to crane in Highbay. (cnunez)
S35 still in Megabay 2. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3, cnunez)
B16 in Megabay 1. (cnunez)
Sanchez: Gisler closeup of launch mount B.
Massey's: Chopsticks simulator is attached to Test Tank 16. (Starship Gazer, Golden, Gisler)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 week ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-10):

Launch site: B15 is transferred from the launch mount to the transport stand. (NSF, ViX 1, ViX 2)
Build site: S34 is transferred to the static fire stand and transported to Massey's. (NSF, ViX, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2)
S32 scrapping continues. (ViX)
B15 moves from the launch site to Megabay 1. (NSF, Tyler Gray, LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
12-hour road closures for Feb 10th and 11th are revoked.
2-hour road delays are posted for Feb 12th and 13th, 00:00 to 04:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to Pad.

Florida activities:

Comparison of synthetic aperture radar images of LC-39A between Jan 26th and Feb 10th. (Harry Stranger)
Pile driver working near the launch tower. (Kai Blaschke)

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 week ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-13):

Feb 12th cryo delivery tally.
Build site: S34 moves from Massey's to Megabay 2. (NSF, LabPadre, ViX, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
Launch site: A tank moves from Brownsville Port to the launch site. (ViX)
Movement of ship quick disconnect arm, chopsticks, and landing rails. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
Trench excavation continues. (Gisler)
Starship Gazer posts recent 4k video of the launch complex and S34. (Starship Gazer)
Shaun Gisler posts videos of the Pad B chopsticks installation and (S34's static fire).

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-12):

Feb 11th cryo delivery tally.
Feb 11th addendum: Additional video and info of S34's static fire. (SpaceX 1, SpaceX 2, Interstellar Gateway)
Launch site: Another tank is delivered to the launch site and erected by the black LR11000 crane. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
Mystery "ruhRPumpen" is delivered. (Gisler)
Trench digging continues. (ViX)
The second chopstick actuator is installed by the yellow LR11000 crane at Pad B. (ViX, Anderson 1, Anderson 2)
Build site: S32 scrapping continues. (cnunez)
S36 emerges from Starfactory. Catch hardware is visible. (LabPadre, ViX)
Work on launch mount B continues. (cnunez, RGV Aerial)
Massey's: S34's flaps are folded and secured. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 12th, 20:00 to 00:00 for transport from Massey's to factory.
2-hour road delays are posted for Feb 13th and 14th, 00:00 to 04:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to Pad.

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-11):

Feb 10th cryo delivery tally.
Build site: B15 is lifted onto a work stand in Megabay 1. (ViX)
B17 aft and forward sections move from Starfactory to Megabay 1. (LabPadre, ViX, ViX 2)
S32 scrapping continues. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
Launch site: The second chopstick actuator for Pad B departs from the build site. (ViX)
Steel pieces are lifted into the Pad B flame trench. (ViX, Killip renders)
RGV Aerial post a recent flyover photo of Pad B.
Massey's: S34 performs a ~1-minute static fire. (NSF, Mary, LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, ViX 4, Starship Gazer, Gisler, Golden 1, Golden 2, Golden 3, NSF full livestream)
2-hour road delay is posted for Feb 12th, 00:00 to 04:00 or 18:00 to 22:00 for transport from Massey's to factory.
2-hour road delays are posted for Feb 13th and 14th, 00:00 to 04:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to Pad.

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-09):

Feb 8th cryo delivery tally.
Feb 8th addendum: Tank farm nitrogen purge. (Gisler)
Build site: Ship static fire stand moves from Massey's to the build site. (ViX)
Movement of ship lifting jig implies upcoming transfer of S34 to the transport/test stand. (ViX)
Work on launch mount B continues. (Gisler)
Pad A: Chopsticks open and rise, ship quick disconnect arm extends, soft road closure is in place, venting from the fluids bunker is observed.
B15 performs a static fire. (Priel 1, Priel 2 (timelapse), Gray, LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, Mary, SpaceX, NSF full livestream)
Chopsticks lower, ship quick disconnect arm retracts, booster transport stand and launch mount work platform return to Pad A.
Tank farm photos. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
Pad B: Cable reeving continues. (ViX, Gisler, Anderson)
Tower base closeups. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler )
Steel pieces for the quick disconnect and commodities structure have been delivered. (Anderson / RGV Aerial)
Starship Gazer posts 4k video of the launch site from Feb 8th.
Other: Zack Golden releases a new episode of CSI Starbase: Stage Zero: Discovering The Limits Of Rapid Reusability | Pt 1
Starship Gazer has a fundraiser for Emergency Car Repairs and Tooth Repair.

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 weeks ago

Starbase activities (2025-02-06):

Feb 5th cryo delivery and water delivery tallies.
Launch site: Ducted fan is installed at the tank farm. (ViX, Gisler)
Reeving of cables for chopsticks on Tower B begins. (Anderson)
RGV Aerial post additional angles of Pad B flame trench.
Build site: S36 and S37 tile work continues in Starfactory. (cnunez)
Landscaping and mural repair at Starbase. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2, cnunez)
Other: The John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier recently entered the Port of Brownsville for scrapping. NSF editor Thomas Hayden (now on BlueSky!) posts an approximate visualization of a Starship stack for scale.
1-hour road delay is posted for Feb 8th from 00:00 to 06:00 for transportation from factory to launch pad. B15 rollout for static fire seems likely.