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Starship Development Thread July 2026 (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago) by threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works to c/spacex@sh.itjust.works
33 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 | afarTV Florida Gigabay Live

Starship Dev June | Starship Dev May | Flight 12 | Starship Dev April | Starship Dev March | Starship Dev February

2026-04-27 SpaceX Starship Update Video

Road closures, road delays, and beach closures

Vehicle Status

*As of 2026-07-01

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 Static fire testing Stacking took place from Nov 12th through March 2nd. Cryo testing from May 3rd through May 6th. Engine testing Jun 24th through 26th.
S41 Megabay 2 Pending engine install 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. Cryo testing Jun 28th to present.
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 Megabay 1 Pending static fire Stacking took place from Feb 5th through Apr 30th. Cryo tested Jun 6th through Jun 8th.
B21 Megabay 1 Stacking Stacking began Jun 4th, completed Jun 28th.
B22 Megabay 1 Stacking 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). Stacking started Jun 29th.

Resources

top 33 comments
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[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 10 hours ago

2026-07-29:

  • Pad 2: The torsion bar is removed from the left chopstick and lowered to the ground. (ViX)
  • A new torsion bar is installed. (ViX)
  • Pad 1: Steel for the base of the tower is delivered. (ViX)
  • Production site: B22's LOX landing tank enters Megabay 1. (ViX, Testflight)
  • Test article S43.1 has been transferred to a transport stand. (ViX 1, ViX 2, RGV Aerial)
  • S42 is moved from the turntable to the centre work stand. (ViX)
  • An autonomous lawnmower is observed outside Starfactory. (Avid Space)
  • A corner segment for the Pad 1 launch mount is observed at Sanchez. (Gisler, Anderson)
  • McGregor: R3.194 left the testing area R3.130 arrived. This was the first sighting of R3.130 since it was removed from B20. (SpaceRhin0)
  • R3.130 leaves the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
  • Flight 13: "The ship landing was precise, meaning that it would have been caught by the tower arms" (Elon)
  • Landing burn buoy video. (Starlink)
  • SKIMMER TIDE and NORMAND RANGER are both en route to the location of S40 and GO AUSTRALIS. (interstellargw, Killip, mcrs987 1, mcrs987 2, mcrs987 3, mcrs987 4)
  • Florida: LC-39A chopsticks rise to the top of the tower. (wvmattz)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 day ago

2026-07-28:

  • Production site: The new nosecone test article ("S43.1 QUAL") in Megabay 2 is moved from the right side to the centre stand, then back to the right side. (ViX)
  • The Pez-dispenser-like stand enters Megabay 2, the mystery trapezoidal stand is lifted onto it, and the nosecone section is lifted over both. (ViX)
  • The entire assembly is then moved to the right side. (ViX)
  • Diagram of the assembly. (Killip)
  • Gigabay construction continues. (RGV Aerial)
  • Pad 1: Launch mount legs two of four arrive. (ViX)
  • Scrapping of the ship quick disconnect arm is completed. (ViX, Blobifie)
  • Pad 2: Chopstick landing rails are raised, three extension-retraction tests of the booster hold-down clamps are performed, and the chopstick rails are lowered. (ViX)
  • McGregor: R3.194 moves towards the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
  • Flight 13: Landing burn and splashdown video. (SpaceX)
  • S40 is still afloat. The Starship Recovery team continues to take pictures. (SpaceX, Elon, TurkeyBeaver, mcrs987 1, mcrs987 2, mcrs987 3)
  • "We’re sending a ship out to recover Starship" (Elon)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

2026-07-27:

  • Production site: 3rd R-vac for S41 enters Megabay 2. (ViX, SpaceRhin0, Blobifie)
  • Mystery trapezoidal frame is lifted across to the left side of Megabay 2. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • A potential test article (ship nose cone) enters Megabay 2 and is lifted to the right side the bay. (ViX, lewisknaggs42, Blobifie)
  • Past month's Gigabay construction timelapse. Framework of final level is nearly complete. (Priel)
  • Pad 1: Ship quick disconnect arm is removed from the tower, part of the arm is cut off. Components for a new quick disconnect arm are already at Sanchez (ViX 1, ViX 2, Gisler, Blobifie 1, Blobifie 2, Killip)
  • More flame trench wall sections are delivered. (ViX)
  • Flight 13: More photos. (SpaceX)
  • FAA confirms no mishap investigation required. (NSF)
  • S40 is still afloat. (mcrs987 1, mcrs987 2, )
  • Umbra satellite image of S40 and Go Australis. (Stranger 1, Stranger 2)
  • McGregor: Past week’s Raptor tracking summary. (SpaceRhin0)
  • R3.113 is moved towards the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
  • Artemis IV: Leaked video of the S22 HLS mockup interior. (Video, mcrs987)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago

2026-07-26:

  • Massey's: The S39.1 test tank moves back to the production site, after completing 16 cryo tests over a period of either 243 or 195 days. (NSF, ViX, TrackingTheSB)
  • Production site: Overnight, S42's second aft flap is staged beside the work stand. (ViX)
  • Launch site: The yellow rented LR11000 crane is raised, and is positioned to remove the ship quick disconnect arm from the Pad 1 launch tower. (ViX 1, ViX 2, NSF, Killip)
  • The boom heel of the SpaceX-owned LR11000 crane returns. (ViX)
  • Post-launch flyover photos of Pad 2. Scorching reveals that the holes in the top plate are drilled in a pattern of concentric rings with decreasing density towards the corners. (RGV Aerial 1, RGV Aerial 2, mcrs987)
  • Flight 13: B20 hit the water at an angle. (Caton, Hansen)
  • S40 is still afloat and drifting northwest, heading between Indonesia and Australia, accompanied by Go Australis. (mcrs987 1, mcrs987 2, mcrs987 3, mcrs987 4, mcrs987 5, mcrs987 6, mcrs987 7)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

2026-07-25:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 5 days ago

2026-07-24:

  • McGregor: Overnight, a Raptor 3 is moved towards the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
  • R3.120 is moved towards the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
  • Production site: Transfer tubes have been installed in S42. Transfer tube jig returns to Starfactory, and S42's final aft barrel section enters Megabay 2. Two R-vacs also enter Megabay 2, presumably for S41. (ViX, SpaceRhin0, Blobifie) Launch site: Overnight, the ship and booster transport stands are moved back to Sanchez. (ViX)
  • 12:41: Range support helicopters are on duty. (ViX)
  • 13:42: Chopsticks release the ship and move to launch position. Movement of stabiliser arms and catch rails are observed. (ViX)
  • 14:50: Pad is cleared. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • 15:45: Tank farm is active. (ViX)
  • 17:14: Go for propellant load. (SpaceX, NSF)
  • 16:51: Brief hold in the count, released a few minutes later. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • 17:06: Tower venting. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • 17:18: Booster propellant loading begins. (ViX)
  • Last week's abort was due to "off-nominal spin response in the ox turbopumps on six of the engines", likely due to "moisture inside of the pumps from previous operations, which froze when new cryogenic propellant was introduced". Wednesday's test was a test of all 33 ox pumps at cryogenic temperatures. (SpaceX)
  • 17:51: Flight 13 happens.
  • Post-launch chopsticks movements. (ViX)

Flight 13:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 6 days ago

2026-07-23:

  • Jul 22nd addenda: Timelapse of S40 stacking on B20. (ViX)
  • Timelapse of cryo deliveries. (ViX)
  • Massey's: Overnight, the LOX landing test tank performs its 3rd cryo test. (ViX)
  • The B18.3 test tank is removed from the test structure. (ViX, Blobifie)
  • The "can crusher" cap is removed from the B18.1 test tank. (ViX, Blobifie)
  • Production site: B22’s methane header tank and its A6:4 section enter Megabay 1, and S42 is lowered over the transfer tubes/jig for integration. (ViX)
  • S41 in Megabay 2. (cnunez)
  • Flight 13 launch attempt: (NSF full livestream)
  • Detonation suppression system is tested, B20 grid fins are tested. (ViX, NSF)
  • Range support helicopters are on duty. (ViX, Priel)
  • Chopsticks move to launch position. (ViX, TrackingTheSB)
  • Road closure is removed. (NSF)
  • Scrub due to weather, 24-hour recycle. (SpaceX)
  • Road is opened, booster transport stand moves back away from the gateway entrance. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Chopsticks descend to ship position. (ViX)
  • Road delay for "Pad to Production" is posted for Jul 23rd 23:59 to Jul 24th 04:00, likely for the booster and ship transport stands. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Beach closures are now scheduled for Jul 24th and 25th, both 12:00 to 21:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX, Golden)
  • McGregor: R3.78 (removed from B20 E16 position) returns to the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
  • Florida: LC-39A chopsticks are tested. (Bergeron)
  • Schematic of a Starship breakover frame recently seen in Florida. (Killip)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 weeks ago

2026-07-05:

[–] Wander@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Cheers for posting all this.

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

Thanks! Glad to know my efforts are appreciated :)

[–] verity_kindle@sh.itjust.works 3 points 4 weeks ago

My favorite status is "Stacking", makes me so happy. Duplo/"Lincoln Logs"-based childhood influence.

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

2026-07-10:

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

2026-07-15:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

2026-07-16:

  • Jul 15th addendum: S40 rollout and stacking video. (ViX, SpaceX)
  • Build site: Gigabay construction continues. (SERobinsonJr)
  • S42's A2:3 section enters Megabay 2, and is joined with the ship forward section. (ViX)
  • A new Starlink satellite speed loader box enters Megabay 2, the loading mechanism is inserted, and the assembly returns to Starfactory. (ViX)
  • Booster thrust simulator stand enters Megabay 1, likely for B21. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Massey's: Road delay for "Production to Masseys" is posted for Jul 16th 23:59 to Jul 17th 04:30. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • Flight 13 launch attempt: Launch thread.
  • Airplane N8628 lands in Brownsville, takes off, and lands near Brownsville. (elonjet 1, elonjet 2, elonjet 3)
  • A 270ft platform supply vessel is stationed at the intended S40 splashdown site near Western Australia. (Cornwell)
  • 04:52, 10:37, 08:52: Detonation suppression system is tested, portable toilet is delivered, range support helicopter fuel tank is delivered. (ViX)
  • 10:40: S40 flap tests. (NSF)
  • 11:59: Road is closed, range-support helicopters are on duty. (Avid Space, ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, ViX 4)
  • 13:23: Chopsticks release S40 and are raised to the top of the tower. (ViX)
  • 13:35: Chopstick landing rails and stabilizer arms are tested. (ViX)
  • 14:14: Tank farm is active. (TrackingTheSB 1, TrackingTheSB 2)
  • 15:14, 16:20: Booster and ship transport stands depart from the launch site, and head towards Sanchez. (ViX 1, ViX 2, TrackingTheSB)
  • 17:00: Starship team polls GO for propellant load. (SpaceX)
  • 17:09: Propellant loading begins. (SpaceX, NSF)
  • 17:10: Tower vent shuts off. (TrackingTheSB)
  • 17:15: Frost on B20 LOX tank. (TrackingTheSB)
  • 17:16: Frost on S40 LOX tank. (TrackingTheSB)
  • 17:19: Frost on S40 methane tank. (TrackingTheSB)
  • 17:23: Frost on B20 methane tank. (TrackingTheSB, RGV Aerial, RGV Aerial YouTube)
  • 17:44: Propellant loading complete. (TrackingTheSB)
  • 17:44: Brief hold at T-1 minute. (SpaceX 1, SpaceX 2)
  • 17:45: T-0 abort and scrub for the day. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX, TrackingTheSB, CeaserG33, Gisler, Golden, cnunez, )
  • 17:47: "Standing down from today’s flight test attempt" (SpaceX, Diez, Tice)
  • 17:55: "Some of the engines didn’t start, triggering an automatic launch abort. Now offloading propellant. Next launch attempt hopefully in a few days." (Elon)
  • 18:30: Booster transport stands return to the roadblock, then to the launch site. (ViX, ViX 2)
  • 19:02: "To be confident of a good flight, 2 Raptors will be removed & replaced. Most probable launch timing is early next week." (Elon)
  • 20:10: The chopsticks descend and grab S40. (ViX)
  • B20 and S40 engine identification. (SpaceRhin0, RyanHansenSpace)
  • The four engines which didn't light were E12 (R137), E13 (R78), E5 (R113), and E6 (R131).
  • Road delay for "Pad to Production" is posted for Jul 17th 07:00 to 12:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

2026-07-17:

  • Massey's: B21 moves from Megabay 1 to Massey's. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • B21 likely performs an ambient-temperature pressure test. (ViX)
  • Pad 2: S40 is destacked from B20 and rolls back to Megabay 2. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, ViX 4, ViX 5)
  • Road delay for "Pad to Production" is posted for Jul 17th 13:00 to 17:00. (ViX)
  • B20 is removed from the launch mount and rolls back to Megabay 1. (NSF, ViX 1, Starship Gazer, Priel, Zhang)
  • Testing is performed on the chopsticks pushers and catch rails. (ViX)
  • Pad 1: The LR11000 crane is raised and lifts the final section of the ground support equipment bunker into place. (ViX)
  • Flight 13: Now NET Jul 20.
  • The Indian Ocean Navigation Warning is updated. (ViX, msi.nga.mil (archive), interstellargw)
  • Florida: SLC-37 tower module 7 of 9 is stacked. Module 8 is being prepared for lift. (Bergeron)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

2026-07-18:

  • Pad 2: Chopsticks and ship quick disconnect are tested. (ViX)
  • Massey's: B21 performs its first cryo test. (NSF, ViX, StarshipGazer)
  • Production site: S42's A3:4 section moves from Starfactory to Megabay 2. (ViX)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

2026-07-19:

  • Massey's: B21 performs its 2nd cryo test. (ViX, Gomez)
  • Production site: An R-Vac cart which allows workers better access up inside the engine bay is observed in Megabay 2. (ViX)
  • Pad 2: Chopsticks testing. (ViX)
  • Flight 13: Temporary flight restrictions are posted for Jul 20th, 21st, and 22nd, each from 22:30 UTC to 00:54 UTC the following day (17:30 to 19:54 local). (ViX, NSF)
  • Launch is NET Thurs Jul 23rd. (SpaceX, Elon 1, Elon 2)
  • Weather may be a concern. (interstellargw)
  • McGregor: R3.167 moves towards the testing area for it's third round of testing. (SpaceRhin0)
  • Florida: SLC-37 tower module 8 of 9 is stacked. (Bergeron)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

2026-07-20:

  • Production site: Overnight, S42 is now stacked on its A3:4 section. (ViX)
  • A ship transport stand arrives. (ViX)
  • Massey's: B21 performs its 3rd cryo test. (NSF, Evans, CeaserG33)
  • Flight 13: Road and beach closure is posted for Jul 22nd 21:00 to 23:00, then pushed to Jul 23rd. Presumably for B20 rollout, this could suggest a slip to NET Friday Jul 24th. (NSF, Alexphysics13, interstellargw 1, interstellargw 2)
  • McGregor: R3.17x is moved to the testing site. (SpaceRhin0)
  • R3.152 leaves the testing site, R3.167 arrives. (SpaceRhin0)
  • Another Raptor 3 arrives. (SpaceRhin0)
  • Outer engine R3.152 from B20 (E16 position) is observed. (mcrs987)
  • Two engines which did not light during B20's first launch attempt arrive. R3.137 (E12 position) and R3.78 (E13 position). (SpaceRhin0 1, cybertruck, SpaceRhin0 2, SpaceRhin0 3, NSF, mcrs987)
  • Past week’s Raptor tracking summary. (SpaceRhin0)
  • Florida: Pad LC-39A methane booster quick disconnect door is installed. (NSF)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

2026-07-21:

  • Miscellaneous flyover photos are posted. (CeaserG33)
  • Massey's: Overnight, B21 completes its 3rd cryo test. (ViX)
  • Road closure for "Masseys to Production" is posted for Jul 22nd 10:00 to 14:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • B21 performs its 4th cryo test. (ViX)
  • Production site: S40 is transferred to the transport stand and exits Megabay 2. Decals have been applied to the ship. (ViX, colleenadastra, davidjdphotos)
  • The four-point lifting jig enters Megabay 2. S42's methane transfer tubes move from Starfactory to Megabay 2. (ViX)
  • B20 exits Megabay 1. (Avid Space)
  • Launch site: Road closure for "Production to Pad" is posted for July 21nd 22:00 to 02:00. (ViX)
  • Road closure for "Production to Pad" is posted for July 22nd 12:30 to 16:30. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • Parts of the SpaceX-owned LR11000 crane are returning to the site after refurbishment. (ViX)
  • The rented LR11000 crane is laid down, and the crane at the air separation site is being disassembled and shipped out. (ViX)
  • The Pad 2 chopsticks move into "booster receive" position. (ViX)
  • The Pad 2 ship quick disconnect performs extension and retraction tests. (ViX)
  • B20 moves from Megabay 1 to Pad 2. (ViX, wvmattz 1, NSF 1, wvmattz 2, NSF 2, Evans, Pike 1, Zhang, Pike 2, Gomez)
  • Flight 13: Beach closures are scheduled for Jul 22nd 09:00 to 23:00 and Jul 23rd 07:00 to 09:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • Temporary flight restriction is posted for Jul 23rd from 22:30 UTC to 00:54 UTC the following day. (interstellargw)
  • McGregor: Overnight, another Raptor 3 is observed, leaving the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
  • R3.199 leaves the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
  • R3.78 (problematic E13 engine from B20's first launch attempt) leaves the testing area. (SpaceRhin0)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

2026-07-22:

[–] Decronym@lemmy.decronym.xyz 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 10 hours ago)

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

Fewer Letters More Letters
EVA Extra-Vehicular Activity
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
GSE Ground Support Equipment
HLS Human Landing System (Artemis)
ILC Initial Launch Capability
LC-39A Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy (SpaceX F9/Heavy)
LOX Liquid Oxygen
MECO Main Engine Cut-Off
~ MainEngineCutOff podcast
NET No Earlier Than
NOTAM Notice to Air Missions of flight hazards
NSF NasaSpaceFlight forum
~ National Science Foundation
SECO Second-stage Engine Cut-Off
SLC-37 Space Launch Complex 37, Canaveral (ULA Delta IV)
SPMT Self-Propelled Mobile Transporter
ULA United Launch Alliance (Lockheed/Boeing joint venture)
Jargon Definition
Raptor Methane-fueled rocket engine under development by SpaceX
Starlink SpaceX's world-wide satellite broadband constellation
cryogenic Very low temperature fluid; materials that would be gaseous at room temperature/pressure
~ (In re: rocket fuel) Often synonymous with hydrolox
hydrolox Portmanteau: liquid hydrogen fuel, liquid oxygen oxidizer
iron waffle Compact "waffle-iron" aerodynamic control surface, acts as a wing without needing to be as large; also, "grid fin"
scrub Launch postponement for any reason (commonly GSE issues)
turbopump High-pressure turbine-driven propellant pump connected to a rocket combustion chamber; raises chamber pressure, and thrust

[Thread #5 for this comm, first seen 7th Jul 2026, 05:55] [FAQ] [Full list] [Contact] [Source code]

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

2026-07-14:

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

2026-07-02:

  • Jul 2nd addendum: The Pad 2 booster and ship quick disconnects, and the ship quick disconnect arm retracted, the stabiliser arm on the chopsticks was reset, and further tests of the booster hold-down clamp were performed. (ViX)
  • 4k video of deluge tests. (Starship Gazer)
  • Video of S40 six-engine static fire. Ryan Hansen notes changes in the startup sequence. (SpaceX, StarshipGazer, RyanHansenSpace)
  • Massey's: S40 moves from Massey's to Megabay 2. (NSF 1, NSF 2, Avid Space, ViX 1, ViX 2, StarshipGazer, Starship Gazer 4k YouTube, colleenadastra, Gisler)
  • Road delay for "Production to Masseys" is posted for Jul 3rd 01:00 to 05:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
  • Build site: Gigabay construction timelapse of past month. (Priel)
  • Launch site: Sections of pipe (~5ft in diameter) are delivered to Pad 1. (ViX)
  • Florida: SLC-37 tower module 4 of 9 is stacked. (Bergeron)
  • Gigabay cladding is nearing completion. (Evans)
  • Other: mcrs987 (TheSpaceEngineer) provides an update on their work reversing Raptor turbopumps from publicly available information, and their communications with a SpaceX representative. Shortly after, they announce they will cease reverse engineering work on Raptor. (mcrs987 1 (archive), mcrs987 2, (archive), mcrs987 3, (archive))

Alleged image from the first tweet

Source

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

2026-07-03:

  • Massey's: S41 moves from Megabay 2 to Massey's. (NSF, Avid Space, colleenadastra, )
  • S41's forward and aft flaps are actuated. (ViX)
  • Build site: The Pez dispenser mechanism for S42 arrives at Megabay 2. (ViX)
  • S42's nosecone moves from Starfactory to Megabay 2. (Jordanguidry6)
  • Stacking of S42's nosecone and forward section is underway. (ViX 1, ViX 2, StarshipGazer)
  • Status of the unusual nosecone in Starfactory. Six smaller flanges have been added. (StarshipGazer)
  • Launch site: Plumbing deliveries continue. (ViX)
  • McGregor: New flyover photos indicate new development down the road from the large site on the west side of the testing facility. (Cuker)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

2026-07-04:

  • No notable activities reported Jul 4th.
  • Jul 3rd addenda: B22's A4:4 section entered Megabay 1. (ViX)
  • S42's nosecone, payload section, and Pez dispenser have been stacked. Stacking with the forward dome section is likely underway. (ViX)
  • Other: Stacked frames from Flight 12 highlight the tower avoidance manoeuvre and initiation of the gravity turn. (RyanHansenSpace)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

2026-07-06:

  • Massey's: Overnight, S41 moves from Massey's to the build site. (NSF, Avid Space, colleenadastra, Gomez)
  • Build site: The ship lifting jig is raised inside Megabay 2. (ViX)
  • S41 enters Megabay 2. (ViX)
  • S41 is transferred to a work stand. (ViX)
  • Pad 1: Delivery of trench wall sections continues. (ViX)
  • Six sections of pipe for the deluge system arrive. (ViX)
  • The LR11000 crane lifts the base frame for the ground support equipment bunker into place. (ViX)
  • Pad 2: The booster quick disconnects are extended, purged and retracted. (ViX)
  • A damper is been lifted to the end of the right chopstick. (ViX)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

2026-07-07:

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

2026-07-08:

  • Jul 7th addenda: Pad 2 chopsticks testing. Flexing of the tower is noted. (ViX, DeffGeff)
  • Testing of the Pad 2 launch mount clamp arms and booster quick disconnects.
  • Launch site: The third basement section for the Pad 1 ground support equipment bunker is lifted into position, and the main body of the SpaceX-owned LR11000 crane is moved behind Tower 1. (ViX)
  • Beach closures are posted for Jul 9th 01:00 to 23:00 and Jul 10th 07:00 to 19:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • Road delay for "Production to Pad" is posted for Jul 9th 01:00 to 05:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • Build site: Pad 1 flame bucket and launch mount hardware tracking diagram. (Killip)
  • The booster transport stand arrives. (TrackingTheSB)
  • Flight 13: Notices to mariners and airmen indicate that launch is NET Jul 15th. (ViX, wvmattz, lewisknaggs42)
  • Florida: SLC-37 tower module 5 of 9 is stacked. (Bergeron)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

2026-07-09:

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

2026-07-11:

  • Jul 10th addendum: Pad 2 chopsticks are lowered. (ViX)
  • Pad 2: A crane arrives, followed by an SPMT of counterweights. The Booster transport clamps are extended, and a crew lift goes up to the chopstick arm actuator area. (ViX)
  • Scaffolding is erected around a chopstick actuator, and the actuator is hooked up to the crane. (ViX)
  • The chopstick actuator is replaced. (NSF 1, NSF 2, ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Road closure for "Pad to Production" is posted for Jul 12th 02:00 to Jul 12th 08:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • Build site: S42's common dome (CX:3) moves from Starfactory to Megabay 2. (ViX)
  • Massey's: Road delay for "Production to Masseys" is posted for Jul 11th 23:59 to Jul 12th 06:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
  • McGregor: R3.201 (new highest) is observed. (NSF, Rex_MKR)
  • Flight 13: Official webpage is posted, launch currently targeting Jul 16th. (SpaceX)
  • The payload will include operational Starlink v3 satellites, though still on a suborbital trajectory. (Thomas Burghardt)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago

2026-07-12:

  • Pad 2: B20 is removed from the launch mount. (TrackingTheSB)
  • B20 moves from the launch site to Megabay 1. (NSF)
  • Massey's: The ship cryo test stand moves to Massey's. (TrackingTheSB)
  • Road delay for "Masseys to Production" is posted for Jul 12th 23:59 to Jul 13th 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago

2026-07-13:

  • Jul 12th addenda: Timelapse of B20 rollback. (ViX)
  • The 4th tower crane at the Gigabay build site was raised by five modules. (ViX)
  • Pad 1: The 1st section of the ground support equipment bunker was lifted into place. (ViX)
  • Massey's: Road delay for "Masseys to Production" is posted for Jul 13th 23:59 to Jul 14th 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
  • Flight 12: Mishap investigation is closed. Report cites two most probable root causes for the loss of the Super Heavy booster as "heat effects on propulsion system components during the ascent and erroneous engine alarm system settings". SpaceX identified four corrective actions, including vehicle hardware and software configuration updates to prevent a reoccurrence of the event. (FAA, archive, J_A_Rees_94)
  • Possible relevant hardware changes between B19 and B20. (Anderson 1, Anderson 2)
  • Flight 14+: The FAA post a "Draft Tiered Environmental Assessment for SpaceX Starship Reentry Contingency Operations in the Pacific Ocean and Additional Starship Landing Trajectory". (FAA, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3)
  • McGregor: Past week’s Raptor tracking summary. (SpaceRhin0)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 weeks ago

2026-07-01: