{"id":23621,"date":"2026-01-07T21:44:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T13:44:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/tps-evaluations-taking-place-at-starbase-on-next-two-ships-to-fly\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T21:44:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T13:44:44","slug":"tps-evaluations-taking-place-at-starbase-on-next-two-ships-to-fly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/tps-evaluations-taking-place-at-starbase-on-next-two-ships-to-fly\/","title":{"rendered":"TPS evaluations taking place at Starbase on next two Ships to fly"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>SpaceX continues to accelerate production of its next-generation Starship vehicles at the Starfactory facility in Starbase, Texas. With vehicles up to Ship 48 in various stages of assembly and preparation, attention is now focused on the first two Block 3 vehicles slated to fly in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Both are undergoing detailed inspections of their Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles, a critical component for surviving the intense heat of atmospheric reentry, with returns to the launch site for a tower catch expected early in the Block 3 era.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Can SpaceX Hit Higher Cadence in 2026? Starship Version 3 Preview | Starship Updates\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VPFsL1Cw92U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\" name=\"fitvid0\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"widget-title penci-border-arrow\">See Also<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>SpaceX Starship Program<\/li>\n<li>L2 SpaceX Section<\/li>\n<li>NSF Store<\/li>\n<li>Click here to Join L2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Flight 12, the debut of the full Block 3 stack, is currently eyeing a March 2026 launch window, contingent on vehicle testing progress and the readiness of Pad 2 at Starbase.<\/p>\n<p>This mission marks a major milestone, transitioning from the previous Block 2 design to an upgraded architecture with enhanced performance, reusability features, and powered by Raptor 3 engines.<\/p>\n<p>Starfactory, SpaceX\u2019s advanced manufacturing hub dedicated to Starship upper stages (Ships), provides limited external visibility through its windows. However, enough can be seen to reveal substantial activity on nosecones for upcoming vehicles.<\/p>\n<p>Ship 40, now assigned to Flight 13, has had its nosecone mated to the payload bay for some time. Teams are actively installing forward flaps and applying heatshield tiles.<\/p>\n<p>In recent weeks, crews have been observed drilling into several tiles along the bottom rows of the nosecone, with drill sites clearly marked. This work is widely believed to be preparation for tile removal, detailed inspection, or potential replacement.<\/p>\n<p>Astronomy<path d=\"M7.59009 18.59L9.00009 20L17.0001 12L9.00009 4L7.59009 5.41L14.1701 12\" style=\"animation: initial !important; background: initial !important; border: 0px !important; box-shadow: none !important; color: inherit !important; cursor: inherit !important; direction: inherit !important; display: inline !important; fill: currentcolor !important; filter: initial !important; float: none !important; margin: 0px !important; opacity: initial !important; outline: 0px !important; overflow: initial !important; padding: 0px !important; stroke: initial !important; transform: initial !important; vertical-align: initial !important; visibility: inherit !important;\"><\/path>Spaceflight history books<path d=\"M7.59009 18.59L9.00009 20L17.0001 12L9.00009 4L7.59009 5.41L14.1701 12\" style=\"animation: initial !important; background: initial !important; border: 0px !important; box-shadow: none !important; color: inherit !important; cursor: inherit !important; direction: inherit !important; display: inline !important; fill: currentcolor !important; filter: initial !important; float: none !important; margin: 0px !important; opacity: initial !important; outline: 0px !important; overflow: initial !important; padding: 0px !important; stroke: initial !important; transform: initial !important; vertical-align: initial !important; visibility: inherit !important;\"><\/path>NASA educational resources<path d=\"M7.59009 18.59L9.00009 20L17.0001 12L9.00009 4L7.59009 5.41L14.1701 12\" style=\"animation: initial !important; background: initial !important; border: 0px !important; box-shadow: none !important; color: inherit !important; cursor: inherit !important; direction: inherit !important; display: inline !important; fill: currentcolor !important; filter: initial !important; float: none !important; margin: 0px !important; opacity: initial !important; outline: 0px !important; overflow: initial !important; padding: 0px !important; stroke: initial !important; transform: initial !important; vertical-align: initial !important; visibility: inherit !important;\"><\/path>\n<p>     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-111380\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-07-55-540.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1563\" height=\"874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-07-55-540.jpg 1563w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-07-55-540-350x196.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-07-55-540-626x350.jpg 626w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-07-55-540-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-07-55-540-1170x654.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1563px) 100vw, 1563px\">Heatshield tiles are secured using specialized pins, and accessing them often requires precise drilling for extraction.<\/p>\n<p>The activity is particularly noteworthy because these tiles have been in place for an extended period, and the focus remains limited to the lower rows rather than the entire nosecone.<\/p>\n<p>This targeted effort could stem from insights gained from flight data, reentry simulations, or late-stage quality assurance checks on the installation process.<\/p>\n<p>While no tiles have been visibly removed yet, the ongoing work \u2014 which has persisted for nearly two weeks \u2014 may delay Ship 40\u2019s transfer to Mega Bay 2 for further integration and final outfitting.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, newer nosecones for Ships 41 and 42, which received their tiles more recently, show no signs of similar intervention, suggesting that the issue may be specific to earlier installations or particular design areas.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-111381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-09-13-980.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1563\" height=\"874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-09-13-980.jpg 1563w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-09-13-980-350x196.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-09-13-980-626x350.jpg 626w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-09-13-980-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-09-13-980-1170x654.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1563px) 100vw, 1563px\">To support the broader production ramp-up, SpaceX has introduced new robotic arm platforms in recent weeks. These specialized tools assist with the precise installation of pins for heatshield attachments.<\/p>\n<p>One non-tiled nosecone has already been enveloped by this advanced tooling, signaling that tile mounting for future vehicles is imminent and poised to proceed at a faster pace.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-111386\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-16-29-167.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1563\" height=\"874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-16-29-167.jpg 1563w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-16-29-167-350x196.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-16-29-167-626x350.jpg 626w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-16-29-167-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-16-29-167-1170x654.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1563px) 100vw, 1563px\">Hardware deliveries further reinforce SpaceX\u2019s required goal of scaling production. Multiple aerodynamic flaps \u2014 both forward and aft \u2014 have arrived at Starbase recently. This influx likely indicates stockpiling in anticipation of a substantial increase in vehicle stacking and assembly throughout 2026.<\/p>\n<p>The increase in momentum aligns with SpaceX\u2019s goal of achieving a significantly higher launch cadence, essential for realizing its ambitious objectives like orbital refueling demonstrations, lunar missions under NASA\u2019s Artemis program in the short term, and the long-term aspirations of Mars missions.<\/p>\n<p>Preparations for Flight 12 also highlight TPS inspections, with Ship 39 sat inside Mega Bay 2 on the central workstation.<\/p>\n<p>Over the past week, extensive scaffolding has been erected around the entire vehicle, extending up to the nosecone area. This setup likely provides access for heatshield-related work similar to that on Ship 40, potentially involving further tile inspections, adjustments, or replacements.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-111382\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-11-25-618.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1563\" height=\"874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-11-25-618.jpg 1563w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-11-25-618-350x196.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-11-25-618-626x350.jpg 626w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-11-25-618-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NSF-2026-01-07-23-11-25-618-1170x654.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1563px) 100vw, 1563px\"><br \/>\nRecent movements of Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) from the production site to Massey\u2019s test facility may relate to earlier component swaps on Ship 39, possibly informed by lessons from prior testing anomalies on previous vehicles.<\/p>\n<p>Such modifications could extend pre-flight testing timelines, although even if Ship 39 was ready to roll for cryotesting, the Masseys test site still has some final work to prepare for its arrival.<\/p>\n<p>The current trajectory points to a February or, more realistically, March launch window, allowing time to address any emerging issues, along with the final work on Pad 2, which will host Flight 12 onwards.<\/p>\n<p>The next major milestone for Flight 12 will likely see Booster 19 head to Masseys for cryotesting, which was the point where the original booster for this flight was lost during a test anomaly.<\/p>\n<p><em>Lead photo: Colleen Liedtke for NSF. Daily dumps of hi res photos from Starbase available to all L2 members.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"&quot;Witness this Fully Armed Launch Tower&quot; | SpaceX Starbase\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SBtxE8LXc8A?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\" name=\"fitvid1\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SpaceX continues to accelerate production of its next-generation Starship vehicles at the Starfactory facility in Starbase, Texas. With vehicles up to Ship 48 in various stages of assembly and preparation, attention is now focused on the first two Block 3 vehicles slated to fly in 2026. Both are undergoing detailed inspections of their Thermal Protection [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[752,7771,733,7774,316,739,7874,7935],"class_list":["post-23621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","tag-flight-12","tag-flight-13","tag-ship-39","tag-ship-40","tag-spacex","tag-starbase","tag-starfactory","tag-tps"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23621"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23621"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23621\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}