SpaceX

Starbase activities (2024-07-11):

• Pad B: First tower section is installed (LabPadre, ViX). Crews working on bolts. NSF livestream, NSF timelapse, Starship Gazer photo 1, photo 2, DeffJeff timelapse, Cargile photo, Gomez timelapse, cnunez photo.
• B12 testing at Pad A: Tank farm starts up, Cowbell venting, frost on LOX tank, more cowbell venting. Tanking test, road is reopened open. Grid fin and ship quick disconnect are tested. NSF timelapse.
• Raptor work table moves towards Pad A.
• Build site: Another B15 forward section is staged outside Megabay 1.
• Road delays for tower segment transportation are posted for July 11th through 19th, all 22:00 to 03:00 the following day.

Other:

• BingoBoca posts some nice labelled maps from RGV Aerial flyovers.

Starbase activities (2024-07-25):

• Jul 24th cryo delivery tally, ViX)
• Pad B: Tower segment #4 is stacked on Tower B. (LabPadre, ViX, Starship Gazer, NSF, Golden, cnunez 1, cnunez 2, cnunez 3, clwphoto1 1, clwphoto1 2, clwphoto1 3)
• Pad A: The LR11000 crane removes one of a recondensers and loads it onto a truck for transport. (ViX)
• S30 still at Massey's, pending static fire.
• Road delay for transportation operations is posted for Jul 25th 23:00 to Jul 26th 01:00.

Other:

• RGV Aerial post a recent photo of S33 in the Highbay, prior to its move to Megabay 2.

Starbase activities (2024-09-04):

• Sep 3rd cryo delivery tally.
• Sep 3rd addendum: Starhopper relocation timelapse. (ViX)
• Overnight, chopstick rails are tested again. (ViX)
• Chopsticks work continues. (cnunez) Ship lifting pin is reinstalled on the port-side chopstick. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Starboard-side pin may have been reinstalled. (ViX)
• Welding on chopstick bumpers. (Hammer)
• Documentary interview being filmed on chopsticks? (Hammer)
• Starhopper's new home. (ViX)
• SPMTs arrive at the build site, likely for S31.
• 2-hour road delay is posted for 2024-09-06 between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from Megabay to Massey's.

Starbase activities (2024-09-03):

• Sep 2nd cryo delivery tally.
• Starhopper is relocated from launch site to parking lot. (LabPadre, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Gomez 1, Gomez 2, Ramirez 1, Ramirez 2, Ramirez 3, Hammer, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF full livestream)
• Pad A: The LR11000 lifts and lowers scaffold basket. (ViX)
• Chopsticks work continues. Ship lifting pin arm is retracted. Landing rail and stick movement are tested.

Starbase activities (2024-08-07):

• Aug 6th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, B14.1 rolls out to the launch site. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF)
• B14.1 is lifted onto the launch mount. (LabPadre 1, LabPadre 2, ViX, Mary, NSF, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• New entrance to launch site is under construction.
• CC8800-1 crane reconfiguration continues. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Starship Gazer, Gisler)
• S30 at Massey's. Tank farm venting, and spin prime completed.
• 2-hour road delay is posted for August 9th or 10th, for transport from Massey's to pad. (Return of S30?)
• Starkitty sighted :)

Starbase activities (2024-07-24):

• Jul 23rd addendum: B15 aft section enters Megabay 1, and a pair of grid fins head towards Starfactory.
• Jul 23rd cryo delivery tally.
• S33 forward section emerges from the Highbay and moves to Megabay 2, likely in preparation for stacking.
• cnunez posts several photos: Pad B 1, Pad B 2, Pad B 3, office construction, Megabay 2.

Other:

• A doofus flies his drone over SpaceX property. If you ever visit Starbase (or any launch facility) don't be like this guy.

Starbase activities (2024-09-29):

• Pad A: S30 still stacked on B12, still not launching yet. (Beyer, LabPadre, Ansuini, clwphoto1)
• S30 transport stand moves towards the launch mount. (ViX)
• Build site: New road markings are painted. (ViX)
• Second set of chopsticks are receiving the same reinforcements as the first set. (Anderson)
• S32, S26, and S20 are still in the Rocket Garden. (cnunez)
• RGV Aerial post recent photos of Sanchez, Massey's, launch site, B11 aft section, and Pad B flame trench construction.

Maritime:

• HOS Ridgewind is back at the B11 splashdown site. (Cornwell)

Other:

• Lewis Knaggs speculative renders of Pad B launch mount. Zack Golden's thoughts.

Starbase activities (2024-08-05):

• Aug 4 cryo delivery tally.
• Lowering of the CC8800-1 crane main boom is completed. (LabPadre, ViX, DeffGeff)
• Crane masts are lowered, and unreeved. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2, clwphoto1)
• Some sort of utility pole structure is erected.
• Static fire stand arrives at the build site and enters Megabay 2 (LabPadre, ViX).
• S30 is set for transport to Massey's, presumably to test the engine which was replaced.
• 2 hour road delay is posted for 2024-08-06 between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from production to Massey's.
• 1 hour road delay is posted for 2024-08-07 between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from production to pad.
• RGV Aerial post a recent photo of the entire area.

McGregor:

• SpaceX likely running Superheavy catch profiles. Relight test had a 3m 13s gap, same as B11 between boostback and landing burns.

Starbase activities (2024-07-15):

• Jul 14th cryo delivery tally.
• B12 static fire: Sunrise and overpressure notice, NSF livestream. Road closed, tank farm spooling up, chopsticks raised, launch mount venting, prop load begins. Static fire occurs at 10:13, and lasts about eight seconds. (LabPadre, alternate angle, ViX, NSF, Gomez).
• NSF timelapse, Doherty photo, Doherty gif, SpaceX drone photos and videos.
• Build site: Ship transport stand enters Megabay 2. Cnunez posts an S30 tile progress photo.
• Pad B: Probable launch tower winch arrives.
• Brownsville Port: Chopstick rolls towards Starbase.
• Road delay posted for "transportation operations" for Jul 16th, 12:00 to 16:00, possibly for B12 rollback.

Starbase activities (2024-07-17):

• Jul 16th addendum: Starkitty sighted :)
• Jul 16th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, tower module 3 rolls out to Pad B. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF)
• Tower module rolls into position and the load spreader is attached in the around midday.
• At Pad B, a column to support the Drawworks flooring and an angled wall section are moved into place.
• Another elevator shaft section is installed in tower B, and the construction elevator is now operational.
• Pad A: The LR 11000 crane moves towards the launch mount.
• The remaining chopstick is preparing for transport from Brownsville Port to Starbase.

Starbase activities (2024-09-05):

• Sep 4th cryo delivery tally.
• Build site: Overnight, ship test stand arrives at Megabay 2. Ship lifting jig enters Megabay 2 and is attached to bridge crane. (ViX)
• Counterweights are moved to the rear of the two SPMTs, which then transport S31 from Highbay to Megabay 2. Ship is then transferred from transport stand to test stand. (ViX 1 (Shadow is the black LTR1220), ViX 2, Starship Gazer, DeffGeff, cnunez, Gisler, Gisler (tile closeup), Hammer)
• Office and passageway construction continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• Pad A: Chopsticks work continues. Both ship lift pins are now installed. (ViX, Hammer)
• In the morning, chopsticks are raised.
• Simulated catch test. Ship quick disconnect swings away, chopsticks close. (LabPadre, ViX, Doherty)
• Landing rails are tested. (ViX)
• Additional chopstick testing. (ViX 1 (Shadow is the black LTR1220), ViX 2, ViX 3, ViX 4, NSF 1, NSF 2, Anderson (compilation))
• Chopsticks are lowered. (ViX)
• Launch mount has been repainted. (Starship Gazer)
• Massey's: Frost is observed on Test Tank 16. (ViX)

Starbase activities (2024-07-26):

• Overnight, tower module #5 arrives at pad B. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2)
• S31 is lifted onto transport stand. Raptor covers are on and payload door is open. (LabPadre, ViX, Golden)
• S31 then moves from Megabay 2 to Highbay. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• In the morning, S31 briefly emerges from the Highbay and retreats.
• S30 performs a static fire at Massey's: Frost ring, static fire: LabPadre, Gomez, ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2, Beyer, cnunez, Doherty, NickyX, clwphoto1, Ramirez.
• Road delays for transportation operations are posted:
  • Jul 27th 00:00 to 03:00 "from Massey's to production pad".
  • Jul 27th 12:00 to 15:00 or 21:00 to 00:00 "from Massey's to production pad".
  • Jul 29th 23:00 to 02:00 "from production to pad".

Starbase activities (2024-07-12):

• Jul 10th and 11th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, tower segment #2 rolls out to Pad B (LabPadre, NSF, ViX).
• More B12 testing today: Raptor work table moves away from Pad A, road is closed. Still plenty of scaffolding near B12, so static fire is unlikely.
• Tank farm is active (ViX, NSF), chine venting and more venting, launch mount venting and more venting, methane recondensers are active.
• B12 spin prime test (LabPadre, ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2). "Cowbell" venting also visible. Chopsticks lower.
• Ship quick disconnect and engine bay purge tests (LabPadre timelapse). SQD retracts and returns, engine bay purge test 1 and test 2, SQD test 2 (retract and return), SQD test 3 (retract and return)
• Build site video tour: Crews work on tower segments at Sanchez, car park painting continues.
• Massey's: Crews spotted at the top of a tower.
• Brownsville port: Final tower segment preparing for transport (Doherty, Gomez).
• Road closures for "non-flight testing" are posted for July 15th through 17th, all 06:00 to 18:00.

Other:

• FAA is assessing proposal to increase flight rate at Starbase up to 25 launches and landings per year.

Starbase activities (2024-09-06):

• No Sep 5th cryo delivery tally.
• Sep 5th addendum: Compilation timelapses of chopstick tests, including a full launch rehearsal from BQD retraction to chopsticks catch. (ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2) When the chopsticks are at the top of the tower, their momentum causes a noticeable amount of tower sway. (Anderson)
• Build site: Overnight, S31 moves to Massey's. (LabPadre, ViX, Starship Gazer photo, Starship Gazer video, NSF, NSF video, Beyer, Gisler, Doherty)
• Pad A: Chopsticks testing continues. Chopsticks close, landing rails rise, landing rails lower.
• Pad B: The CC8800-1 crane is laid down. (ViX, Hammer)
• Massey's: Crews were spotted at Test Tank 16. (Hammer)

Starbase activities (2024-08-06):

• Aug 5th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, S30 rolls out to Massey's. (LabPadre, ViX, tibininin, NSF, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3)
• Reconfiguration of the CC8800-1 crane is underway (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, NSF)
• cnunez posts an image of the build site.
• B14.1 is on the move, likely to the launch mount.

Starbase activities (2024-08-31):

• Not too much action reported today.
• Chopsticks work continues. (NSF (lightning!))
• New attachments added onto Starhopper prior to potential relocation. (Mary, RGV Aerial, Hammer)
• RGV Aerial post recent photos of Test Tank 16 at Massey's, Rocket Garden (labelled), Pad A (chopsticks work), and Pad B (flame trench).

Other:

• New CSI Starbase episode: How To Prevent Raptors From Destroying Superheavy Pt.2

Starbase activities (2024-09-30):

• Sep 29th cryo delivery update. (clarification)
• Pad A: Ship quick disconnect retracts from S30 (ViX, NSF), work platform deploys and ship ports are sealed, and work platform retracts.
• Ship quick disconnect arm retracts (ViX, NSF), and S30 is destacked from B12. (LabPadre, ViX, Starship Gazer, Priel, Beyer, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• S30 not "ready-to-roll". Purpose of destack is potentially for B12 access. (ViX)
• Load spreader arrives, the LR11000 crane rolls towards the launch mount, the load spreader is attached, and the hot stage ring is destacked from B12.
• Pad B: Safety netting removal begins. (ViX)
• Build site: More launch mount parts are delivered. (Beyer)
• Construction on passageway between Starfactory and offices continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3)
• Scaffolding has been erected around the chopsticks carriage destined for Pad B. (Gisler)
• 2-hour road delays are posted for Oct 2nd and 3rd between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from factory to Massey's.

McGregor:

• The longest duration Raptor engine test (897 seconds, ~15 minutes) is performed. (NSF)
• Previous record was 330 seconds, set on 2023-06-04.

Starbase activities (2024-08-08):

• Aug 7th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, a 3 ring LOX section moves from Starfactory to MB2, and is mated with existing S33 nose. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Test tank 16 and a nosecone spotted in Starfactory. (ViX)
• CC8800-1 crane reconfiguration continues. Looks like it is nearing completion. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, ViX 4, ViX 5, Roger S, ViX 6, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3)
• Office construction continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• NSF fly over Starbase, and note that SpaceX now has full access to the patch of land between Starfactory and the new offices.

Other:

• First Raptor 3 test fire (Elon 1, Elon 2, NSF)
• Frost comparison from TheSpaceEngineer.
• Gwynne fires a shot at Tory. You might even say she shot well.
• SpaceX states that IFT-5 vehicles are "ready to fly, pending regulatory approval".
• NSF summary reading between the lines.

Starbase activities (2024-09-15):

• Quiet Sunday, not much action reported.
• Overnight, the first of S33's aft flaps enter Megabay 2. (reported by u/Planatus666, ~~no archivable link of this action available~~ Planatus666 1, Planatus666 2)
• Pad A: Chopsticks work continues. Landing rails were tested.
• Zack Golden speculates on the possibility of a mobile launch mount for Pad B. (Golden 1, Golden 2, Golden 3, Golden 4)
• RGV Aerial post recent photos of the build site, Pad A (chopsticks work), launch site, and Pad B and its flame trench.

Starbase activities (2024-07-14):

• Jul 13th cryo delivery tally.
• Pad B: Overnight, LTR 1220 crane lifts 2nd elevator section into tower.
• Pad A: Scaffolding is removed from launch mount. Movac trucks empty the retention pond and the detonation suppression system is tested. B12 static fire on Jul 15th seems possible.
• Build site: A Starship V2 nosecone rolls from Starfactory to the Highbay. Starship Gazer identifies it as S33.
• LabPadre comparison of Starship V1 vs V2.

Other:

• New Ringwatcher's article: What's New on Super Heavy Booster 12?
• Possible new design for launch mount hold-down arms is spotted at McGregor.

Starbase activities (2024-07-13):

• Overnight, final tower segment moves from Brownsville Port to Sanchez (LabPadre, ViX, Doherty, NickyX, Gomez 1, Gomez 2).
• Jul 12th cryo delivery tally.
• Nighttime tanker convoy.
• Action at Megabay 2 (LabPadre, Ringwatchers). Likely a ship v2 test tank.
• Ship v2 payload section enters the Highbay (Starship Gazer, Ringwatchers).
• S30 heat shield replacement continues.
• Pad B: Load spreader detaches from tower segment #1 and attaches to tower segment #2 (Vix, NSF 1, NSF 2).
• Pad A: Chopsticks move to either side of B12 and are lowered. SQD arm swings in. Chopsticks, their arms wide. Scaffolding is being removed from the launch mount.
• RGV Aerial posts recent photos of office construction, Pad A, Pad B, and Massey's.

Starbase activities (2024-07-16):

• Jul 15th cryo delivery tally.
• Jul 15th addendum: Booster transport stand moves toward Pad A. Booster quick disconnect retracts from B12.
• Overnight, a chopstick arrives at Sanchez.
• Pad B: In the early morning, module 2 is stacked on the tower, and the load spreader is removed. Media: LabPadre, ViX, NSF, Starship Gazer, Doherty, DeffGeff, cnunez, Hammer.
• Pad A: B12 is destacked (NSF livestream, Starship Gazer, NSF timelapse, Doherty), briefly repositioned on the transport stand, rolls to the build site (LabPadre, ViX, NSF, Doherty, cnunez), and enters Megabay 1.
• Transport stand for tower module 2 also rolls back (DeffGeff, Hammer).
• A grackle briefly blocks the view of the cryo deliveries.

Other:

• SpaceX headquarters are moving from Hawthorne to Starbase... due to a transgender protection law? I fail to see how this is relevant to the aerospace industry. Seems like it may have already been in the works for some time, as office construction is well under way.

Starbase activities (2024-07-23):

• Jul 22 addendum: New Pez dispenser door enters the Highbay.
• S31: R-Vac #376, RC #386, and RC unknown enter Megabay 2.
• Pad B: CC8800-1 load spreader is raised and attached to tower module #4. (LabPadre, ViX)
• B15: upgraded aft section is spotted, featuring small internal tanks mounted on the LOX landing tank.

Other:

• RGV Aerial post a recent photo of the Sanchez site.

Starbase activities (2024-07-27):

• Jul 25th and 26th cryo delivery tallies.
• Over night, a ship forward section (S33?) emerges from Starfactory and moves into Megabay 2.
• Following yesterday's static fire, S30 (not S31) moves from Massey's to Megabay 2. (ViX, Beyer, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Doherty, Gomez, TankWatchers, clwphoto1)
• S30 heat shield held up well during static fire.

Other:

• SpaceX post a slow-mo closeup of the S30 static fire, and confirm "full duration". DeffGeff syncs the video with audio.
• RGV Aerial post recent photos of Massey's, build site, and launch site.

Starbase activities (2024-09-09):

• Sep 8th cryo delivery update.
• Sep 9th is a wet day at Starbase. (Gomez, Cooper_Hime, Garza)
• Build site video tour, including an interesting delivery, plausibly an HLS airlock prototype article. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, TheSpaceEngineer 1, TheSpaceEngineer 2)
• Massey's: Test Tank 16 undergoes testing.

Starbase activities (2024-08-02):

• Aug 1st cryo delivery tally.
• Build site: Another B15 forward section moves from Starfactory towards Megabay 1.
• Sanchez: S30 flap work continues. (Shaun Gisler)
• Office window installation continues. (Shaun Gisler)
• Pad A: Crews are reinforcing the chopsticks (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
• Pad B: Elevator section is lifted into module 5. Module 6 is hooked up to the load spreader. (LabPadre, ViX, Shaun Gisler)
• Road delay for transportation operations "from Sanchez to Pad" is posted for Aug 4th from 00:00 to 03:00. ViX speculates on potential candidates for transport: B14.1, chopstick carriage, tower module 7 (tweet 1, tweet 2)

Other:

• Elon posts a photo of Raptor 3 SN1.
• Comparison of Raptor 1, 2, and 3.
• Abbey Road.

Starbase activities (2024-08-03):

• Aug 2nd cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, ship lifting jig enters Megabay 2. Another B15 3-ring section is moved to Megabay 1.
• Pad B: Module 6 is lifted. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2, Gisler)
• Load spreader is lowered. It is thought that the CC8800-1 crane needs to be reconfigured to allow stacking of the next tower module.
• Build site: S30 moves from Sanchez to Megabay 2, and is lifted onto the back left work stand. (LabPadre, ViX, Gisler, clwphoto1)
• R-Vac #398 is removed from S30, and #384 looks to be its replacement (LabPadre, ViX)
• Office window installation continues (Gisler)

Other:

• RGV Aerial post Aug 2nd photos of the launch site, Massey's, build site, Pad B, and S31 in the Highbay.

Starbase activities (2024-08-04):

• Aug 3rd cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, S33 common dome emerges from Starfactory and enters Megabay 2. Methane funnel has an interesting beehive shape. (LabPadre, ViX)
• S33 forward section is mated to the common dome. (LabPadre, ViX)
• R-Vac #398 (removed from S30) departs from Megabay 2.
• Pad B: Elevator section is lifted into module 6. (ViX, NSF, clwphoto1)
• CC8800-1 crane slews and is lowered in preparation for reconfiguration.

Starbase activities (2024-08-12):

• Aug 11th cryo delivery tally.
• Aug 11th addenda: Chopstick landing rails are tested, Starkitty is sighted :) (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Pad A: New gusset plates are added to launch tower. (LabPadre, ViX)
• Chopstick testing continues. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Pad B, CC8800-1 crane repairs: Replacement strut arrives. One strut is replaced, and re-reeving begins. Main boom is raised (NSF, ViX), auxiliary jib is added, block is installed and reeving is underway.
• Following the reconfiguration and repairs, the CC8800-1 crane rises fully. (LabPadre, ViX)
• Office building: Glass installation continues.
• Beyer posts a neat looping video of NSF's recent flyover of the launch site.
• cnunez posts a recent photo of a nosecone in Starfactory, and some closeups of the chopsticks and launch mount.
• 1 hour road delays are posted for Aug 13th, 14th, and 15th between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from Sanchez to pad, likely for tower modules.

Starbase activities (2024-09-02):

• Morning build site video tour.
• Chopsticks work continues. Ship lifting pins are tested. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2 (closeup), Hammer)
• Booster quick disconnect is tested. (ViX)
• RGV Aerial post another recent photo of Pad B construction.

Starbase activities (2024-09-25):

• B12 and S30 are still stacked at Pad A. (Starship Gazer)
• Booster alignment pins are removed. (Anderson 1, Anderson 2)
• SpaceX post a photo of technicians posing on the chopsticks. (alternate angle from Hammer)
• HOS Ridgewind arrives at Brownsville port. (LabPadre 1, LabPadre 2, Beyer 1, Beyer 2, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3, interstellargw, Jordan Guidry, Hammer)
• Roof of the passage between Starfactory and the new offices looks complete now. (Gisler)
• Road delay is posted for Sep 25th between 22:00 and 02:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to Massey's. (Offloading B11 remains?)

McGregor:

• Raptor tests continue. (NSF)

Starbase activities (2024-09-07):

• Sep 6th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, lay down of CC8800-1 crane is completed.
• Quiet Saturday, no significant action is reported.

Other:

• Elon update on Mars timeline: Uncrewed Starship NET 2026, crewed Starship NET 2029, which is pretty much the most ambitious timeline possible. I wouldn't be surprised if the uncrewed tests slip by one transfer window, and I'm expecting the crewed missions to slip by at least a two or three transfer windows. I'm glad they're setting ambitious internal goals though.

Starbase activities (2024-09-08):

• Sep 7th cryo delivery tally.
• Chopsticks work continues. A coat of "something" has been applied to both bumpers. (Hammer)
• Massey's: S31 begins cryo test, but aborts. (ViX 1, ViX 2, NSF)
• RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos of the launch site, Massey's, and office construction.

Starbase activities (2024-09-10):

• Sep 9th cryo delivery tally.
• Sep 9th addendum: Timelapse of Test Tank 16 cryo test. (LabPadre)
• The wet continues. (LabPadre, Gomez)
• Workers begin reconfiguring the CC8800-1 crane. (ViX)

Other:

• SpaceX complains about regulatory hurdles. (full post is worth a read for context and details)
• A scale model was tested in a transonic wind tunnel at the NASA Ames Research Center.

Starbase activities (2024-09-11):

• Sep 10th cryo delivery tally.
• Pad A: Chopsticks work continues. (Starship Gazer, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• Pad B: Reconfiguration of the CC8800-1 crane continues. (ViX, Gisler)
• Office construction continues, nearly connected to Starfactory.
• Build site: Glass panels are installed on Starfactory door.
• A couple of pedestals are delivered.
• Rocket Garden: Crew lift observed at S30.
• Massey's: S31 at the flame trench. Work continues on Test Tank 16.

Other:

• FAA confirms November timeline for IFT-5. (NASASpaceFlight)

Starbase activities (2024-09-12):

• Sep 11th cryo delivery update.
• A gecko was spotted overnight.
• Quiet Sep 12th, not much action reported.
• Build site: Work on Starfactory door continues.
• Nice photos posted of Starhopper at her new home. (Mary, RGV Aerial)

Other:

• ChromeKiwi posts a render of the possible layout for the pedestals which were delivered the previous day.

Starbase activities (2024-09-14):

• Quiet Saturday, not much action reported.
• Pad A: Chopsticks work continues.
• Massey's: S31 testing continues, no static fire yet.
• RGV Aerial Photography completed a flyover.

Starbase activities (2024-09-13):

• Sep 12th cryo delivery update.
• Pad A: Chopsticks work continues.
• Pad B: Commodity pipes are installed at the tower base.
• Build site: Megabay 2 window washing. Starfactory door installation completed.
• 2-hour road delays are posted for Sep 17th and 18th between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from Massey’s to production pad.

This thread maybe, next thread definitely!

Starbase activities (2024-07-10):

• Jul 9th addendum (ViX, NSF, Doherty): Tank farm offload area is functional again, B12 is lifted onto launch mount, and booster transport stand returns to build site.
• Jul 9th cryo delivery tally.
• S31 moves back into Megabay 2. Ship is lifted from transport stand onto turntable.
• Pad B: Tower segment #1 moves towards the tower base. CC8800-1 crane is lowered, then raised. Load spreader is attached to tower segment.
• Build site morning video tour.
• Amended road closures for "non-flight testing" are posted, and the July 10th 12:00 to 00:00 closure is scheduled.
• Booster quick disconnect retracts from B12 (not B13). Some venting from B12, followed by road reopening.
• Two July 11th closures ranging from 08:00 to midnight are possible, and one July 12th closure from 08:00 to 00:00 is possible.

Other:

• Recent Starship Gazer videos on Tower B construction and S30 heat shield replacement.
• SpaceX publicly responds to a NYT article on the affects of Starbase on piping plover populations. It is somewhat unusual to see an official SpaceX social media account used in this manner. Anyone else remember any similar examples?

Starbase activities (2024-09-16):

• Pad A: Chopsticks work continues. Hard stops are reinstalled (Anderson/LabPadre). Bumpers are extended (Hammer).
• Pad B: CC8800-1 crane reconfiguration continues. (Gisler)
• Build site: New entrance to Starfactory looks mostly completed. Roof work is coming along on the passage between Starfactory and offices. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• Massey's: S31 cryo testing continues, still no static fire.
• Road delays for Sep 17th and 18th appear to have been cancelled.

Starbase activities (2024-09-17):

• Gisler posts Starfactory photos from the last night: Nosecone, doors.
• Starhopper outer layer is being removed. (cnunez (before), NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Marcus House, Gisler, Ramirez)
• RGV Aerial post a recent flyover photo of launch site.
• S33 right aft flap is lifted into Mega Bay 2 for installation on ship. (Thanks, u/Planatus666)
• B12 hot stage ring is removed. (Thanks, u/Planatus666)

Other:

• Zack and ChromeKiwi further speculate on new launch mount designs. (Golden, Killip 1, Killip 2)
• Ryan Hansen speculates on whether S24 ignited its engines (IFT-1).
• mcrs987 notes that the vessel Hos Ridgewind might be attempting to recover portions of Booster 11 (IFT-4). (mcrs987 1, mcrs987 2, mcrs987 3, mcrs987 4, mcrs987 5, mcrs987 6, mcrs987 7)

Starbase activities (2024-09-26):

• Overnight, B11 remains are offloaded from Hos Ridgewind, and transported to Massey's. (Beyer 1, Beyer 2, Beyer 3, Carson Phillips, Hammer)
• Sanchez: SpaceX begins lifting possible Pad B OLM hardware. (Beyer)
• Pad A: Chopsticks close around S30, 'murican flag is flown from tower. (Starship Gazer, NSF, Hammer, SpaceX official)
• Road delay is posted for Sep 27th from 00:00 to 03:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to Massey’s.

Other:

• Why not salvage B10 in addition to B11? Probably too deep, 800 meters vs. 61 meters. (Golden)

Starbase activities (2024-09-28):

• Pad A: S30 still stacked on B12, not launching. (Gisler, cnunez, clwphoto1)
• S30 missing a couple tiles. Possibly intentional like last time? (Gisler)
• S32 moves from the Rocket Garden. (Gisler)
• Work on the passage between Starfactory and offices continues. (Gisler, BocasBrain)
• Build site wide shot. (Gisler)

Maritime:

• Hos Ridgewind heads back out into the Gulf. (Cornwell)

Starbase activities (2024-09-27):

• Not too much action reported today.
• Overnight, the recovered B11 aft section is transported to Massey's. (Starship Gazer, Gisler, RGV Aerial (flyover closeups!))
• Pad A: Third consecutive daily photo from SpaceX of B11/S30 not launching.

Other:

• SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell addresses the Texas House of Representatives. She highlights the investment SpaceX have put into their Texas sites and surrounding communities, stresses the importance of enhancing regulatory efficiency, and recommends "updating legislation and regulations in the state to protect individuals and the public from potential hazards associated with launch while allowing freedom and flexibility for us to continue operations safely and efficiently". She also clarifies that SpaceX have a good relationship with TCEQ, and that most of the regulatory issues they are encountering are at the federal level. (xdNiBoR)

Starbase activities (2024-09-21):

• Overnight, hotstage ring is stacked on B12. (Hammer, NSF timelapse)
• S30 is stacked on B12. (NSF full livestream, Starship Gazer, Mary, cnunez, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF timelapse, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3, Gisler 4, Gisler timelapse, Doherty 1, Doherty 2, Hammer closeup 1, Hammer closeup 2, RGV Aerial, Beyer, SpaceX official photos)
• Ship quick disconnect is tested. (NSF)
• Recent photo of S35 in Starfactory. (cnunez)

Starbase activities (2024-09-22):

• Sep 21st addenda: Starship Gazer timelapse of S30 stacking on B12. RGV Aerial photo 1 and photo 2 of stacking. NSF timelapse comparison of all six stackings so far.
• Not too much Starbase activity reported on Sep 22nd.
• Recent RGV Aerial photos of the launch site, Massey's, Pad B flame trench construction, and build site.
• Road "clossure" still in place for Sep 23rd from 08:00 to 20:00 for non-flight testing activities. (Wet dress rehearsal)

Maritime activities:

• Elon posts a photo of B11 remains from IFT-4.
• Gisler photo of the vessel (Hos Ridgewind), Interstellar Gateway video on the recovery operations and satellite photos.
• Zack spots some potential filter mounting brackets.

Starbase activities (2024-09-23):

• Main event: Partial tanking test on B12 and S30. (NSF full livestream, LabPadre full livestream, NSF timelapse)
• Road is closed (NSF), tower vent (NSF), propellant loading (NSF), depress vent. (NSF), detanking (NSF, LabPadre).
• SpaceX tweet: "Propellant load test and preflight checkouts complete ahead of Flight 5"
• Sep 23rd closure is concluded, and the Sep 24th and 25th closures are cancelled.
• S30 thermal protection system looks very clean. (NSF closeup)
• Build site: S34 nosecone and payload bay, now stacked, move from Highbay to Starfactory. (NSF, Planatus666)

Starbase activities (2024-09-24):

• Mary spots some more potential hardware for Pad B launch mount. Zack Golden's thoughts: Tweet 1, tweet 2, tweet 3.
• S34 is back in Starfactory. (cnunez)
• Roof of the passage between Starfactory and the new offices is mostly complete. (Gisler)
• B12 and S30 still looking beautiful. (LabPadre, Gisler, Doherty 1, Doherty 2, clwphoto1, )
• Chines have a slightly wrinkled appearance.

FAA:

• SpaceX Global Government Affairs refutes comments made in Congress by the administrator of the FAA.

Maritime:

• HOS Ridgewind departs after a brief stop in Altamira, Mexico, and is now heading for Brownsville, likely to delivery the recovered portions of B11.

Starbase activities (2024-09-18):

• Sanchez: Tower B ship quick disconnect arm hinge arrives. (Starship Gazer, Beyer, Hammer 1, Hammer 2)
• Massey's: S31 static fire. (Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Beyer, Mary, NSF, Hammer, Gomez 1, Gomez 2, SpaceX, House, full NSF livestream)
• Starhopper work continues.
• 1-hour road delay is posted for Sep 20 between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from Production to pad.

Starbase activities (2024-09-19):

• Sep 18th addendum: S31 static fire (Gomez).
• Busy Sep 19th.
• Pad A: Chopsticks have received a coat of primer zebra-stripes, and are tested. (Gisler, Ramirez, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Hammer)
• Pad B: The CC8800-1 crane rises. (Gisler)
• Starhopper's weather station is removed. (Gisler)
• Build site: S34 moves into the Highbay. (Starship Gazer, NSF, Planatus666)
• B12 emerges from the Megabay with some new stringers. (Ramirez, Booster_13soon, Starship Gazer, NSF)
• Some work is done on B12's quick disconnect ahead of rollout. (Hammer)
• Potential parts for the new orbital launch mount are delivered. (NSF, Ramirez)
• RGV Aerial post recent photo of S31 at Massey's and comparison photo of Pad A and Pad B construction.
• Amended road delay (2-hour) is posted for Sep 20 between 00:00 and 04:30. Likely for B12 rollout (NSF livestream)
• Road "clossures" are posted for Sep 23rd, 24th, and 25th from 08:00 to 20:00 for non-flight testing activities.

McGregor:

• An 84-second Raptor test fire is observed, likely Raptor 3. (NSF)