this post was submitted on 03 May 2026
10 points (100.0% liked)

SpaceX

2785 readers
16 users here now

Rules:

  1. Posts and discussion must be related to SpaceX.
  2. Community focus is on the company, not its CEO.
  3. Currently experimenting with the moderation policy for niche communities. If you think you have been banned in error, please reach out.

Related space communities:

Memes:

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works
few@sh.itjust.works
clothes@lemmy.world
burble@lemmy.dbzer0.com
Canigou@jlai.lu
10
Starship Development Thread May 2026 (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works to c/spacex@sh.itjust.works
36 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

SpaceX Starship page

FAQ

  1. When next launch? (Flight 13) Unknown, likely NET July.
  2. When previous launch? (Flight 12) Starship flight 12 launched on 2026-05-22 at 22:30:24 UTC.
  3. What was the result? Successful liftoff. Booster boostback burn is incomplete, and landing burn fails. Ship experiences an R-vac out shortly after stage separation, but limps to orbit on 5/6 engines. In-space raptor relight is cancelled, but payload deployment is nominal. Ship reentry, landing burn, and splashdown are nominal.

Previous Flights

Click to expand

  • Flight 1: S24 and B7. First full stack launch, RUD before stage separation.
  • Flight 2: S25 and B9. Successful stage separation, booster RUD during boostback burn, ship RUD shortly prior to scheduled SECO.
  • Flight 3: S28 and B10. Booster performs a successful boostback burn, but experiences RUD during landing burn. Ship makes it past SECO, but loses attitude control and is destroyed on reentry.
  • Flight 4: S29 and B11. First successful booster water landing. Ship survives reentry despite burn-through on forward flap, and performs a successful water landing.
  • Flight 5: S30 and B12. First booster catch with chopsticks. Ship performs successful water landing.
  • Flight 6: S31 and B13. Booster offshore divert due to damage to catch tower during launch. Ship performs successful water landing.
  • Flight 7: S33 and B14-1. First V2 Ship launch. Harmonic oscillation on ship causes RUD before SECO. Booster is caught by chopsticks.
  • Flight 8: S34 and B15-1. Engine failure on ship causes RUD before SECO. Booster is caught by chopsticks.
  • Flight 9: S35 and B14-2. First booster reflight. Ship makes it past SECO, but loses attitude control and is destroyed on reentry. Booster RUD upon landing burn startup prior to planned splashdown.
  • Flight 10: S37 and B16. All mission objectives fulfilled. First V2 ship to make it through reentry to landing burn and splashdown. First successful deployment of Starlink simulators. Booster successfully tested landing without one centre engine, using an engine on the middle ring to compensate.
  • Flight 11: S38 and B15-2. All mission objectives fulfilled. Ship performs successful landing burn and splashdown, despite intentional missing tiles on heatshield. Second successful deployment of Starlink simulators. Booster successfully tested a 13-5-3 engine landing profile.
  • Flight 12: First V3 launch. Successful liftoff. Booster boostback burn is incomplete, and landing burn fails. Ship experiences an R-vac out shortly after stage separation, but limps to orbit on 5/6 engines. In-space raptor relight is cancelled, but payload deployment is nominal. Ship reentry, landing burn, and splashdown are nominal.

Quick Links

Nerdle Cam | Lab Cam | Sapphire Cam | Sentinel Cam | Rover Cam | Rover 2.0 Cam | Rocket Ranch Cam | Plex Cam | NSF Starbase Live

Starship Dev April | Starship Dev March | Starship Dev February | Starship Dev January | Starship Dev December | Starship Dev November

2026-04-27 SpaceX Starship Update Video

Road closures, road delays, and beach closures

Vehicle Status

*As of 2026-05-25

Ship Location Status Comments
S39 (Ship v3 SN1) Indian Ocean Destroyed Stacking took place from Aug 16th through Nov 15th. Aft flaps installed Jan 19th and 20th. Cryo tested at Massey's Feb 26th through Mar 8th. Static fired on Apr 14th. Stacked on B19 May 9th. Wet dress rehearsal May 11th. Cryo tested at Massey's May 16th. Partial WDR May 20th. Launched May 22nd.
S39.1 (test tank) Massey's Testing
S40 Massey's Testing Stacking took place from Nov 12th through March 2nd. Cryo testing from May 3rd through May 6th.
S41 Megabay 2 Stacking April 17th: Pez Dispenser moved into MB2. April 20th: Nosecone+Payload Bay stack N:3 moved into MB2 and later that day lifted over the Pez Dispenser. Later that day the Pez Dispenser was installed. April 21st: Forward Dome section FX:4 moved into MB2. April 28th: Common Dome Section CX:3 moved into MB2. May 2nd: Section A2:3 moved into MB2.
S42 to S46 Starfactory Nosecones under construction plus tiling January 19th: Photos of nosecones inside the Starfactory (note that S44 isn't visible because it's been moved elsewhere). January 28th: Latest photos of the nosecones
Booster Location Status Comment
B18.1 Massey's Testing
B18.3 Massey's Testing
B19 Gulf of Mexico Destroyed Stacking took place from Nov 25th through Dec 23rd. Cryo tested Feb 1st through Feb 9th. 10-engine static fire Mar 16th, 33-engine static fire Apr 15th. Wet dress rehearsal Apr 16th. 33-engine static fire May 7th. Wet dress rehearsal May 11th. Partial WDR May 20th. Launched May 22nd.
B20 Mega Bay 1 Pending cryo testing Stacking took place from Feb 5th through Apr 30th.
B21-B22 Starfactory Assorted sections under construction After B18's failure, Mark Federschmidt (one of the members of the Starship booster team) made some tweets which mentioned B19 to B22 being under construction (meaning sections inside the Starfactory).

Resources

all 39 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] 8oow3291d@feddit.dk 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Reddit says flight 12 is now NET 15 May.

https://old.reddit.com/r/SpaceXLounge/comments/1t4mkda/starship_flight_12_net_now_may_15th/

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

Oh, thanks! I'd included that detail it in my daily summary comment, but forgot to update the FAQ in main post. Should be fixed now!

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

2026-05-11:

  • Launch site: Overnight, installation of the new tower vent is completed. (ViX)
  • Pad is clear. (ViX)
  • New vents are observed on the tank farm. (ViX)
  • B19 + S39 perform a full stack wet dress rehearsal, including flap and deluge testing. (NSF full livestream)
  • Timelapses. (NSF 1, NSF 2, Avid Space, ViX)
  • SpaceX confirm launch rehearsal complete.
  • Humans are observed to be investigating the ship quick disconnect. (Alexphysics13)
  • Closures for May 12th and 13th are revoked. (ViX)
  • Chopsticks descend and close around S39. (ViX)
  • The rented yellow LR11000 crane is erected. (ViX)
  • Road delays for "Pad to Production" are posted for May 12th from 06:30 to 10:00 and from 12:00 to 16:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
  • Two more frame sections are added to the Pad 1 launch mount ground support equipment bunker. (ViX)
  • Flight 12: New NOTMARS suggest that launch is now NET May 19th 17:30 CT (22:30 UTC) backup on May 21st at the same time. (pewpewturtle69 / spacecoastwest)
  • Build site: The transfer tubes for S41 enter Megabay 2, then exit. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • S41 aft flaps and raceways are in position next to the centre work stand. (ViX)
  • Florida: Marmac 31, a.k.a. You'll Thank Me Later arrives at Port Canaveral, and the vessel now has a roof. This vessel will be used to transport boosters and ships from Starbase to The Cape. (Avid Space, Cornwell 1, Cornwell 2, Pike)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 months ago

2026-05-03:

  • Launch site: A second ribbed methane tank is inserted alongside the previous one. (ViX)
  • The 3rd and 4th frame sections for the Pad 1 ground support equipment bunker are erected. (ViX)
  • Pad 1 pile drilling continues. (ViX)
  • The Pad 2 ship quick disconnect, booster quick disconnect, chopstick stabiliser arms, and launch mount clamp arms are tested. (ViX, Overstreet 1, Overstreet 2)
  • Flyover photo indicates that the middle roof panel was blown loose from the deluge equipment. (RGV Aerial)
  • Massey's: S40 begins its 1st cryo test. (TrackingTheSB, efraser77, RGV Aerial, Overstreet)
  • Other: Parts for the Pad 1 flame trench are observed in transport. (Sorensen)
  • McGregor: Photos from May 2nd's flyover are posted. The north Raptor test stand was venting oxygen, and installation of a roof on the New Mystery Building may begin soon. (ClaudiusNDX)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 months ago

2026-05-05:

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

2026-05-24:

  • Launch site: Cryo deliveries resume. (ViX)
  • Chopsticks remain at the top of the tower. (Golden)
  • Build site: Diagram of which parts for the Pad 1 launch mount have arrived at Sanchez. (Killip)

Flight 12: (thanks u/Twigling)

  • B19 crash location. (mcrs987)
  • Additional drone and buoy photos of S39 landing burn. (SpaceX)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 months ago

2026-05-09:

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

2026-05-23:

  • Launch site: Crews work on clearing a section of the low wall at the pad boundary which was knocked flat by Flight 12. Work also continues to open the stuck door on the launch mount. (ViX)
  • No cryo deliveries. (ViX)
  • Lightning is observed. (ViX)
  • Flight 12: Colour-coded the engine layout of boostback startup/shutdown sequence. (mcrs987)
  • Launch mount and flame trench before and after photos. (RGV Aerial)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 months ago

2026-05-10:

  • Timelapses of May 9th evening Pad 2 testing, including some unusual venting from the ship quick disconnect. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Launch site: Overnight, many cryo tankers are observed refilling the tank farm. (ViX)
  • Beach closures are posted for May 11th through 13th, all 08:00 to 20:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
  • The tri-vent structure is removed from Tower 2 and replaced with a uni-vent. (ViX 1, ViX 2, TrackingTheSB, RoughRidersShow, )
  • RGV Aerial perform a flyover of the site. (photo, video)
  • McGregor: ~5 cm per pixel satellite imagery of four Raptor 3 engines being delivered. (mcrs987 1, mcrs987 2, mcrs987 3)
[–] Decronym@lemmy.decronym.xyz 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

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

Fewer Letters More Letters
301 Cr-Ni stainless steel (X10CrNi18-8): high tensile strength, good ductility
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
KSC Kennedy Space Center, Florida
LC-39A Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy (SpaceX F9/Heavy)
LOX Liquid Oxygen
NET No Earlier Than
NOTAM Notice to Air Missions of flight hazards
NSF NasaSpaceFlight forum
~ National Science Foundation
SECO Second-stage Engine Cut-Off
SPMT Self-Propelled Mobile Transporter
Jargon Definition
Raptor Methane-fueled rocket engine under development by SpaceX
Starlink SpaceX's world-wide satellite broadband constellation
iron waffle Compact "waffle-iron" aerodynamic control surface, acts as a wing without needing to be as large; also, "grid fin"
perigee Lowest point in an elliptical orbit around the Earth (when the orbiter is fastest)

[Thread #2 for this comm, first seen 24th May 2026, 06:55] [FAQ] [Full list] [Contact] [Source code]

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

2026-05-08:

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

2026-05-14:

  • May 13th addendum: Timelapse of launch site. Clamp arm doors are inspected, chopsticks and ship quick disconnect are worked on, pile drilling and concrete pouring continue, and a tank is delivered and lifted at the air separation unit. (ViX)
  • Launch site: A Pad 2 deluge test is performed. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Clamp arm doors open between tests. (ViX)
  • Another Pad 2 deluge test is performed. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 2, Overstreet)
  • Beach closures are posted for May 17th 12:00 to 23:59 and May 18th 06:00 to 22:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • Build site: The ship static fire stand enters Megabay 2. (ViX, Overstreet)
  • The Gigabay Wall cladding has connected to Starfactory. (Overstreet)
  • Road delay for "Production to Masseys" is posted for May 14th from 18:00 to 22:00, then pushed to from May 14th 23:59 to May 15th 04:00. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Brownsville Port: Marmac 301, a.k.a. You'll Thank Me Later, is scheduled to arrive on May 24th "To Load Rocket Booster". (ViX, portofbrownsville.com, archive, Cornwell)
  • Florida: Gigabay construction continues. A tower crane boom is removed. (Bergeron / Liedtke)

2026-05-15:

Flight 12:

  • The FAA have granted a revision to Launch Licence. (NSF, FAA, ViX)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

2026-05-04:

  • Massey's: Overnight, S40 performs two cryo tests. (ViX)
  • Build site: Another S41 aft section (A3:4) enters Megabay 1. (Avid Space, ViX)
  • An aft flap arrives. (Sorensen, Overstreet)
  • Launch site: White lines are painted on the pavement in the cryo tanker offload area. (ViX)
  • The Pad 2 ship quick disconnect, booster quick disconnects, chopstick stabilizers, flame trench deluge are tested. A drone falls into the flame trench at one point. (ViX 1, ViX 2, HarvardRogerS, Sorensen)
  • Pad 1 construction continues. (Overstreet)
  • Flight 12: The FAA have released an Operations Advisory, indicating launch NET May 12th. (TrackingTheSB, NSF, FAA, archive)
  • McGregor: R3.57 leaves the testing area. (Rhin0)
  • R3.58 is transported towards the testing area. (Rhin0)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

2026-05-01:

  • Launch site: Overnight, a ship transport stand moves from the build site to the launch site and back. (ViX, Sorensen, Killip)
  • A methane tank is moved into position at the tank farm. (ViX)
  • Construction of the ground support equipment bunker at Pad 1 begins. Two sections are raised to vertical. (Avid Space, ViX, Anderson)
  • The Pad 2 chopsticks are tested. (ViX)
  • Construction of the air separation unit continues. (Overstreet)
  • Build site: S41's A2:3 section enters Megabay 2. (ViX)
  • A current photo of the nosecones in Starfactory is posted. (cnunez)
  • A short video of the B19 LOX quick disconnect port is posted. (Zhang)
  • Massey's: Road delay for "Production to Masseys" is posted for May 1st from 10:00 to 14:00, then delayed to from 23:59 to May 2nd 04:00, then from May 2nd 02:00 to 06:00. (ViX 1, TrackingTheSB, ViX 2, ViX 3)
  • Flight 12: NET May 12, 22:30 UTC (17:30 CDT), as advisories from the CADENA Operational Information System and the FAA. The window spans 22:30 - 00:43 UTC (17:30 - 19:43 CDT). Unlike previous flights, the trajectory lies south of Cuba rather than north of it. (NSF, ViX, Starship Gazer, compass.atfm.aero, archive, interstellargw)
  • McGregor: Two wrapped raptors are observed in transport (Apr 30th addendum). (Rhin0)
  • R3.106 returns to the testing area and is installed north test stand. (Rhin0)
  • R3.145 and R3.73 leave the testing area. (Rhin0)
  • Florida: Two truckloads of Gigabay beams and possibly three truckloads of crane gantry are observed in transport. (Bergeron)

2026-05-02:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

2026-05-07:

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

2026-05-18:

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

2026-05-06:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

2026-05-12:

  • Launch site: A few tests of the ship quick disconnect and arm are performed. (ViX)
  • S39 is destacked from B19. (NSF, JLP734, Liedtke)
  • S39 rolls back to Megabay 2. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX, Evans)
  • B19 rollback is delayed to 17:00. (ViX)
  • B19 is destacked from the Pad 2 launch mount. (NSF 1, Evans, NSF 2)
  • B19 rolls to Megabay 1. (ViX, TrackingTheSB 1, TrackingTheSB 2, wvmattz)
  • Build site: The transfer tubes for S41 re-enter Megabay 2. Hopefully they stay there this time. (ViX)
  • B19 is transferred to a work stand. B21's A3:4 section is staged outside Megabay 1. (TrackingTheSB)
  • Massey's: A new temporary flight restriction is posted for Massey's, spanning from May 12th 19:23 UTC to 15th May 07:00 UTC, potentially for an additional static fire of S39. (ViX, Caton)
  • McGregor: May 11th addendum: Another of B19's original engines (R3.67, I think) and a new R-vac (R3.146) are observed. (Rhin0)
  • Louisiana: Possible location for another set of Starship launch pads. (SERobinsonJr, SpaceX, Elon)
  • Flight 12: SpaceX post the launch page and a Starship v3 overview. Scheduled highlights:
  • No booster catch, only splashdown.
  • Payload deploy demonstration, including two satellites to transmit imagery of heatshield prior to reentry.
  • Raptor relight.
  • Ship landing burn will down-select to a single engine.
  • Chopstick actuators have been changed from hydraulic to electromechanical.
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 months ago

2026-05-13:

  • Build site: Overnight, B21's A3:4 section enters Megabay 1. (ViX)
  • Launch site: The yellow rented LR11000 crane ambles around a bit. (ViX)
  • Concrete is poured behind the "GATEWAY TO MARS" sign. (ViX)
  • Crews are observed inspecting the Pad 2 launch mount. (Overstreet)
  • Louisiana: Flyover photos of Pecan Island, the 136k acre site SpaceX may be considering for another set of Starship launch pads. (SERobinsonJr)
  • Other: Long-time Falcon structures engineer Jessie Anderson moves to Starship. (whoisheartbreak)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

2026-05-16:

  • May 15th addendum: Timelapses of testing at Massey's and Pad 2. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Massey's: S39 moves from Massey's to Megabay 2. (NSF, StarshipGazer, TrackingTheSB, TrackingTheSB 2, Overstreet 1, Overstreet 2, Overstreet 3, Doehring)
  • Build site: The Megabay 2 load spreader and lift slings are prepared for Ship 39. (ViX)
  • S39 enters Megabay 2. (ViX)
  • Road delay for booster rollout is pushed to 12:00, then revoked. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • S39 is transferred to a work stand, and the transport stand moves to Sanchez. (ViX)
  • A ship transport stand arrives and enters Megabay 2. (ViX)
  • S39 as transferred to the transport stand. (ViX, Overstreet)
  • Sunday beach closure is revoked, and Monday closure is reclassified as "primary". (ViX, interstellargw)
  • Launch site: The Pad 2 deluge system is tested. (NSF, ViX)
  • The yellow rented LR11000 crane is laid down. (ViX)
  • Tank farm and tower venting are observed. (RGV Aerial)
  • Pad 2 deluge test. (RGV Aerial)

Flight 12:

On SpaceX's page for Flight 12 there's been a change in wording regarding the Starlink simulators:

Was: "including the deployment of 22 Starlink simulators, similar in size to next-generation Starlink satellites. The last two satellites deployed will scan Starship’s heat shield and transmit imagery down to operators"

Now: "including a payload deployment of 20 Starlink simulators, similar in size to next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, and two specially modified Starlink satellites."

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

2026-05-17:

  • May 15th addendum: An ambulance is observed in the early morning. Reports indicate that a contractor was killed by a falling beam. (mcrs987 1, mcrs987 2, xdNiBoR)
  • May 16th addendum: Timelapse of evening testing at Pad 2. (ViX)
  • Build site: Overnight, loading of Starlink simulators on S39 begins. (Avid Space, ViX 1, Killip)
  • Payload is estimated to be ~44 tons, which would exceed the heaviest Falcon payload of 17.5 tons. (Anderson)
  • Launch site: May 17th beach/road closure is revoked. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
  • The Pad 2 chopstick stabiliser arms are tested. (ViX)
  • Tank farm and tower venting are observed. (ViX)
  • Pad 2 deluge is tested. The hold down clamp doors on the launch mount were still open at the time of top deck activation. (ViX, Evans, RGV Aerial, Killip)

Flight 12:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

2026-05-19:

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

2026-05-20:

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

2026-05-21:

  • Flight 12, attempt 1: Overnight convoy of cryo tankers top up the tank farm. (ViX)
  • 06:20, 10:05: Detonation suppression system and ship flaps are tested. (ViX, Starship Gazer)
  • 12:00: The range support helicopters are on duty. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • 12:49: Cryo deliveries continue. (ViX)
  • 13:56: Elon arrives. (elonjet)
  • 14:33: Pad clear. (ViX)
  • 15:13: Chopsticks open and rise. (NSF)
  • 15:57: Roadblock assembles. (NSF)
  • 16:25: Tank farm is active. (ViX)
  • 16:26: Liftoff is delayed to 18:00. (SpaceX)
  • 16:38: Roadblock retreats. (ViX)
  • 16:56: Liftoff is delayed to 18:30. (SpaceX)
  • 17:39: Go for propellant load. (SpaceX, NSF)
  • 17:54: Propellant load underway. (SpaceX, NSF 1, NSF 2)
  • 18:11: Marine assets are in position in the Gulf of Mexico and the Indian Ocean (Cornwell 1, Cornwell 2)
  • 18:29: Hold at T-40 seconds. (SpaceX)
  • 18:41: Scrub is called after multiple countdown clock recycles. (SpaceX)
  • Scrubbed due to pad auto-abort. (NSF, Avid Space)
  • "The hydraulic pin holding the tower arm in place did not retract." (Elon)
  • Road delay for "[85] Turnbasin - 39A (Saturn, 39A)" is posted for May 21st 17:30 to 19:00. (ViX)
  • Detank. (ViX)
  • Road open. (ViX)
  • Other: Chun Wang (of the Fram2 mission) expresses interest in Starship flyby missions of both the Moon and of Mars. (SpaceX 1, SpaceX 2)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

2026-05-22:

  • Launch site: Overnight, workers are observed on Tower 2, fixing the issue with the hydraulic pin on the ship quick disconnect arm. Possibly a binding issue where the actuator attaches rather than the actuator itself. (ViX, Killip, Hansen)
  • A convoy of cryo tankers top up the tank farm. (ViX 1, ViX 2, jdeshetler)
  • 10:05: The range support helicopters are on duty. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • 13:51: Pad 2 chopsticks open and rise. (Avid Space, ViX)
  • 14:32: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flies past the launch site in an F-5. (skphoto1045, rookisaacman, NSF)
  • 15:00: Pad clear. (ViX)
  • 16:33: Go for propellant load. (SpaceX)
  • 16:54: Propellant load is underway. (SpaceX, Avid Space, ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Brief hold at T-40 seconds. (SpaceX 1, SpaceX 2)
  • Flight 12 happens. (NSF livestream, Avid Space livestream)
  • Some debris were thrown in the direction of Starhopper. (ViX, Evans)
  • 18:33: Ship quick disconnect arm swings in. (ViX)
  • 19:40: Launch mount looks to be in relatively good condition. Launch mount clamps redeploy. Minor paint damage to the booster quick disconnect hoods. (ViX, Gisler)
  • 19:43: One of the two large doors on the ground support equipment bunker may have sustained damage. Workers unsuccessfully attempt to open the door. (ViX)
  • The "GATEWAY TO MARS" sign is damaged and now reads "GAT 𝇆WAY ¯ ". (Avid Space, Golden, Overstreet, interstellargw)
  • Build site: B21's A5:4 section moves from Starfactory to Megabay 1. (ViX)
  • Gigabay construction continues. (Bergeron / Liedtke)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago

2026-05-31:

  • Road delay for "Huddleston to Port" is posted for May 31st 23:59 to June 1st 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
  • Launch site: Zack Golden notes damage to one building at the launch complex. The direction that the panels are bent seems to indicate a high-energy event inside of the structure, rather than direct damage from the launch itself. This damage may be related to why the chopsticks did not descend for a few days after Flight 12, but the relationship is speculative. (Golden 1, Golden 2)
  • Aerial photo of Pad 2 launch mount and flame trench. (RGV Aerial)
  • Build site: Gigabay construction continues. (RGV Aerial)
  • Photo of B20 in Megabay 1. (RGV Aerial)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

This thread is no longer being updated, and has been replaced by:

Starship Development Thread June 2026

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

2026-05-25:

  • Launch site: Some concrete removal begins near the tank farm. (ViX)

Flight 12:

  • Buoy video of S39 flip and landing burn. The ship does a little pirouette at the end. Unclear if accidental or for imaging purposes. (SpaceX)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago

2026-05-26:

  • Massey's: Road delay for "Production to Masseys" is posted for May 26th 23:59 to May 27th 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • Build site: Reinforcement pieces are installed above the Gigabay door, potentially indicating door installation could occur soon. (ViX)
  • Launch site: Pad 2 launch mount inspections continue, and some scaffolding is erected. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • A crew lift is briefly lowered into the Pad 2 flame trench. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • The yellow rented LR11000 crane is raised. (ViX)
  • Workers are observed at the chopsticks, which remain at the top of the tower. (Avid Space)
  • McGregor: Vacuum engine R3.156 is observed. (Rhin0)
  • Sea level engine R3.155 is observed. (Rhin0)

Flight 12:

Chomper fairing for Starship is still on the table.

  • Elon: 'Maybe we should make a “Hungry Hippo” version of Starship one day to collect and de-orbit spent rocket stages and other space junk' (Berger, Elon)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago

2026-05-28:

  • Massey's: Overnight, B18.3 undergoes its 17th round of cryo testing. (ViX)
  • Road delay for "Masseys to Production" is posted for May 29th 23:59 to May 30th 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • B18.3 may be undergoing its 18th round of cryo testing. (TrackingTheSB)
  • Build site: Another section of the new Pad 1 launch mount is moved into place at Sanchez. (ViX)
  • Launch site: Many workers are observed inspecting the ship quick disconnect. (ViX)
  • Photos of the new covers that protect the booster quick disconnects during launch. (Killip)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago

2026-05-29:

  • Build site: B21's transfer tube moves from Starfactory to Megabay 1, and is raised to vertical. (ViX, TrackingTheSB)
  • Massey's: B18.3 undergoes its 19th cryo test. (TrackingTheSB)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago

2026-05-30:

  • Massey's: Overnight, the booster cryo stand returns to the build site. (TrackingTheSB)
  • B18.3 completes its 19th cryo test. (ViX)
  • New pipes are installed near the LOX fan vent. (ViX)
  • Build site: The methane transfer tube has likely been installed on B21. (TrackingTheSB)
  • Gigabay construction continues. (Bergeron / Liedtke)
  • Launch site: The catch rails are removed from the Pad 2 chopsticks, possibly to swap them out for a lighter version. (ViX 1, ViX 2, TrackingTheSB 1, TrackingTheSB 2, RyanHansenSpace)
  • More concrete is removed from the area next to the launch mount. (ViX)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

2026-05-27:

Flight 12:

  • A mishap investigation will be regarding B19. (_jaykeegan_)
[–] verity_kindle@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Tiles? Where we're going, we don't need tiles.