Flight 13 will be a repeat of Flight 12, a result confirmed by SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell. With Pad 2 showing minimal wear after Flight 12, launch pad crews are using the downtime between flights to modify the chopsticks and work on the tower.
Booster 20 rolled out to Massey’s on June 5 and completed three major tests. The first was a gas pressure test using only nitrogen and oxygen gases to pressurize lines, tanks, and other components, the same test in which SpaceX lost Booster 18. The second was a full cryo, with the liquid oxygen tank fully filled with LOX and the liquid methane tank filled with liquid nitrogen, held for several hours while teams tested valves and systems under cryogenic temperatures. The final test was a partial load followed by cold gas. Booster 20 rolled back to Mega Bay 1 on June 10 for engine installation and possible modifications based on Flight 12 data. It may not return to Pad 2 until mid-July, when it is expected to undergo a 33-engine static fire.
Ship 40 completed its cryo proof testing in early May and has spent the past five weeks in Mega Bay 2. It received its six engines around June 5 and 6, barely visible entering the bay due to Gigabay construction. With all engines installed, SpaceX is finishing final tasks before rollout for static fire, which could come as soon as next week. An extension of the higher-altitude Temporary Flight Restriction is expected, as SpaceX has been increasing TFR heights for the newer Block 3 vehicles. Crews will likely perform a six-engine static fire before rolling the ship back.
On Pad 2, both landing rails were removed from the chopsticks and replaced with newer, lighter ones featuring more hole cutouts to reduce mass. Both have been reinstalled and are undergoing additional work. The chopstick carriage has also received attention, with several skates removed and either replaced or reinstalled. It is unknown why crews are doing this work, which may relate to flight vibration damage or routine maintenance.
Shotwell said SpaceX wants another sub-orbital shot on the next flight. “We have done an in-space Raptor lighting, so we feel pretty comfortable,” she said, “but we want another sub-orbital shot on the next flight, and then I hope we at least attempt an orbital injection on flight 14.” Pending a successful orbital Flight 14, Flight 15 could launch from LC-39A. This all depends on Flights 13 and 14 succeeding and on the Federal Aviation Administration signing off for orbit and for flight from LC-39A.
Because Booster 20 trails Ship 40 in preparation, the ship will likely sit ready in the bay waiting for the booster to roll out, meaning Ship 40 may receive its payload much sooner than past ships. The next milestones to watch are Ship 40’s rollout and six-engine static fire, possibly next week, and Booster 20’s return to Pad 2 for its 33-engine static fire.
