Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this week’s Starbase update, SpaceX pushes Pad 2 closer to launch readiness as scaffolding disappears from the orbital launch mount, proximity sensors are removed, and the flame trench sees final prep work after Booster 19’s recent static fires.
On the tower, the ship quick disconnect arm undergoes urgent swivel joint repairs on the methane line while safety netting goes up around Tower 1’s aging Ship Quick Disconnect segment ahead of its removal. At the tank farm, the original methane storage tanks—veterans from before Starship’s first flight—are drained and trucked to the Port of Brownsville for relocation as the site reconfigures for expanded operations.
Over at the production site, Gigabay advances with fresh cladding and door rail installation, Starfactory continues nosecone work with Ship 41 now in full stacking inside Megabay 2, and Booster 20’s hot-stage section joins the methane tank in Megabay 1. We also break down SpaceX’s new “Test Like You Fly” video, including details on Version 3 design goals, Raptor 3 development at McGregor, and the lessons from Booster 19’s abbreviated static fires.
Plus, updates from the Air Separation Unit, Massey’s cryo testing on the B18.3 article, and nine more Raptor 3 engines rolling through McGregor. Flight 12 is on the horizon—stay caught up on every major development at Starbase.
⚡ Become a member of NASASpaceflight's channel for exclusive discord access, fast turnaround clips, and other exclusive benefits. Your support helps us continue our 24/7 coverage. Click JOIN above to get started.⚡
🤵 Hosted by Max Evans.
🖊️ Written by Bastiaan Vellekoop & Ryan Weber
🎥 Video from Ceaser G, Steve G, Colleen Liedtke, Jerry Pike, Gage Telesz, Starbase Live, McGregor Live, Nic Ansuini, SpaceX
✂️ Edited by Ryan Caton.
💼 Produced by Kevin Michael Reed (@kmreed).
Rocket Ranch! rocketranchbocachica.com
🔍 If you are interested in using footage from this video, please review our content use policy: nasaspaceflight.com/content-use-policy
L2 Boca Chica (more clips and photos) from BC's very early days to today.
🔗 forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=47107.0
(Join L2 and support NSF here: nasaspaceflight.com/l2/)
#SpaceX #Starship #StarshipUpdate #Spaceflight #RocketLaunch #NASASpaceflight #ElonMusk #Mars #Artemis #SuperHeavy #Raptor
LDAPAABJRG2UMCU3
In this week’s Starbase update, SpaceX pushes Pad 2 closer to launch readiness as scaffolding disappears from the orbital launch mount, proximity sensors are removed, and the flame trench sees final prep work after Booster 19’s recent static fires.
On the tower, the ship quick disconnect arm undergoes urgent swivel joint repairs on the methane line while safety netting goes up around Tower 1’s aging Ship Quick Disconnect segment ahead of its removal. At the tank farm, the original methane storage tanks—veterans from before Starship’s first flight—are drained and trucked to the Port of Brownsville for relocation as the site reconfigures for expanded operations.
Over at the production site, Gigabay advances with fresh cladding and door rail installation, Starfactory continues nosecone work with Ship 41 now in full stacking inside Megabay 2, and Booster 20’s hot-stage section joins the methane tank in Megabay 1. We also break down SpaceX’s new “Test Like You Fly” video, including details on Version 3 design goals, Raptor 3 development at McGregor, and the lessons from Booster 19’s abbreviated static fires.
Plus, updates from the Air Separation Unit, Massey’s cryo testing on the B18.3 article, and nine more Raptor 3 engines rolling through McGregor. Flight 12 is on the horizon—stay caught up on every major development at Starbase.
⚡ Become a member of NASASpaceflight's channel for exclusive discord access, fast turnaround clips, and other exclusive benefits. Your support helps us continue our 24/7 coverage. Click JOIN above to get started.⚡
🤵 Hosted by Max Evans.
🖊️ Written by Bastiaan Vellekoop & Ryan Weber
🎥 Video from Ceaser G, Steve G, Colleen Liedtke, Jerry Pike, Gage Telesz, Starbase Live, McGregor Live, Nic Ansuini, SpaceX
✂️ Edited by Ryan Caton.
💼 Produced by Kevin Michael Reed (@kmreed).
Rocket Ranch! rocketranchbocachica.com
🔍 If you are interested in using footage from this video, please review our content use policy: nasaspaceflight.com/content-use-policy
L2 Boca Chica (more clips and photos) from BC's very early days to today.
🔗 forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=47107.0
(Join L2 and support NSF here: nasaspaceflight.com/l2/)
#SpaceX #Starship #StarshipUpdate #Spaceflight #RocketLaunch #NASASpaceflight #ElonMusk #Mars #Artemis #SuperHeavy #Raptor
LDAPAABJRG2UMCU3
