Tag: Starbase
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Preparing pads for SpaceX’s future Starship cadence
As SpaceX ramps up production and testing of its Starship vehicles and engines, significant advancements are unfolding across key launch infrastructure, ranging from the readiness of Pad 2 at Starbase and 39A at KSC to the demolition of parts of Pad 1 ahead of its alignment with SpaceX’s standardized launch site for the future. From…
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SpaceX progress on Starship Pad realignment for the future
SpaceX has intensified demolition efforts at Starbase’s Pad 1, in tandem with making significant steps toward constructing an advanced launch infrastructure for its Starship program at Starbase and the Kennedy Space Center. Eventually, all three pads are expected to be near mirrors of each other, hosting the next generation Starship launches. Over at Starbase’s Pad…
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Starship Block 3 and HLS: The path to get back to the Moon
Amid numerous questions about whether SpaceX can have the Human Landing System (HLS) variant of Starship ready in time for Artemis 3, the company released a significant amount of information on its progress with HLS and Starship in relation to the Artemis Program. Starship Human Landing System (HLS) SpaceX recently released an update regarding Starship…
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Starbase Pad 1 demolition begins for Next-Gen upgrades
SpaceX has kicked off a significant demolition and upgrade phase at its Starbase facility, targeting Pad 1 to align it with the advanced capabilities of Pad 2. The work, which began shortly after the successful Flight 11 mission, involves dismantling key components of the launch infrastructure to accommodate Version 3 Starships and Super Heavy boosters.…
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Starbase Pad 1 ends an era, enters preparations for the next phase
After 11 Flights and many tests, the booster test stand turned launch mount has reached the end of its life. Pad 1 propelled the Starship program through the early years and now moves towards the new phase of operations. Start of Construction and First Testing Construction on Pad 1 began around July 2020, when crews…
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Starship Block 2 and Pad 1 end on a high note with Flight 11
SpaceX completed the use of Block 2 and Pad 1 on a high note with a completely successful mission with Flight 11. Booster 15-2 and Ship 38 completed all of their objectives and helped to erase the disappointment from Block 2 earlier in the year. Booster 15-2 Booster 15-2 and Ship 38 lifted off at…
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Launch Roundup: Falcon 9 launches five missions in one week
Following the successful flight of Starship Flight 11 on Monday, SpaceX continued its impressive launch cadence with five Falcon 9 missions in one week: three Starlink missions, one Kuiper mission (weather-delayed from last week), and a mission for the Space Development Agency. Internationally, China has launched four times during the week, and Rocket Lab successfully…
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Flight 11 Gives Pad 1 and Block 2 the Proper Send Off
After 11 flights, many static fires, tanking tests, cryogenic proof tests, and a few wet dress rehearsals, Pad 1(A) at Starbase is done in its current configuration. Flight 11 with Booster 15-2 and Ship 38 lifted off on Oct 13 at 6:23:45 CDT and gave Pad 1(A) and Block 1 and 2 vehicles the send…
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Launch preview: SpaceX to launch final Version 2 Starship-Super Heavy from Starbase
SpaceX’s Starship-Super Heavy rocket stands atop the orbital launch mount at Pad A at Starbase, Texas. Image: SpaceX SpaceX is preparing for a notable flight for its Starship program. The company is scheduled to launch its Starship-Super Heavy rocket from its headquarters in Starbase, Texas, on Monday evening. The 11th flight test of the integrated…
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SpaceX intensifies testing to ready Pad 2 at Starbase
SpaceX is ramping up testing of its second launch pad at Starbase, conducting multiple checkouts of the water deluge system designed to mitigate the intense heat and acoustics of Starship launches. The flurry of activity highlights the company’s push toward operational readiness for Pad 2, including enhancements to water management and structural protections. The pad…