Jump to content

List of Starship vehicles

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Starhopper)

Since April 2023, Starship has been launched 6 times, with 4 successes and 2 failures. The vehicle Starship composes when combined with the Super Heavy booster, also named Starship,[1] has been developed with the intention of lowering launch costs using economies of scale.[2] SpaceX aims to achieve this by reusing both rocket stages, increasing payload mass to orbit, increasing launch frequency, creating a mass-manufacturing pipeline and adapting it to a wide range of space missions.[3][4] Starship is the latest project in SpaceX's reusable launch system development program and plan to colonize Mars.

There are currently three planned versions of Starship: Block 1 (also known as Version 1 or V1), Block 2 and Block 3, the proposed variants include a depot, Starship HLS, and Starship Crew. As of September 2024, Block 2 Starships are expected to be compatible with Block 1 and Block 2 boosters.[5] As of November 2024, only Block 1 vehicles have flown.[6] The Starship spacecraft is reusable, and is recovered via large arms on the tower capable of catching the descending vehicle.[7] As of November 2024, 0 vehicles have been refurbished and subsequently flown at least a second time, though the ability to catch a vehicle was proven during Starship's fifth flight test.[8]

Development

[edit]

Starhopper

[edit]
Starhopper in March 2019
Starhopper configuration as flown in August 2019

Construction on the initial steel test article—Starship Hopper,[23] Hopper, Hoppy, or Starhopper[24]—began at Boca Chica in 2018. Starhopper had a single engine and was test flown to develop landing and low-altitude/low-velocity control algorithms.

Starhopper used liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid methane fuel. After it completed its testing campaign Starhopper was repurposed as a water tank, weather station and equipment mount for cameras, lights, loudspeakers and a radar system.[25]

Testing

[edit]

It passed tanking tests, wet dress rehearsals, and pre-burner tests.[26] A storm blew over and damaged Starhopper's nose cone. SpaceX continued testing without one.[27]

It then passed a static fire test,[28] and in a tethered test reached 1 meter altitude.[29][30][27] On July 25, 2019, a Starhopper test flight reached about 20 m (66 ft) altitude,[31] followed by an August 27 test that rose to 150 m (490 ft)[32] and landed about 100 m (330 ft) from the launchpad, the Raptor's first use in flight.

On September 3, 2024, Starhopper was moved to a parking lot nearby the launch site.[33]

Mark series (Mk1–Mk4)

[edit]

Starship Mk1 in September 2019

SpaceX began building the high-altitude prototype, Mk1 in Texas and Mk2 in Florida, using competing teams that shared progress, insights, and build techniques.[34][29] The vehicle featured three Raptor methalox engines and were meant to reach an altitude 5 km (3.1 mi).[35][36]

Mk1 was 9 m (30 ft) in diameter and about 50 m (160 ft) tall,[37] with an empty mass of 200 t (440,000 lb). It was intended for testing flight and reentry profiles, in pursuit of a suborbital flight. When announced, it had three sea-level Raptor engines, two fins each at the front and back, and a nose cone containing cold-gas reaction control thrusters, with all but the aft fins being removed afterwards.[38][39][37]

On November 20, 2019, Mk1 blew apart during a pressure test.[40][41]

SpaceX began Mk2 in Florida, sharing progress, insights, and build techniques with the Mk1 team in Texas.[34][29] It was never completed.[42]

The Mk3 prototype began construction in late 2019.[37] In December 2019, Musk redesignated Mk3 as Starship SN1, and predicted that minor design improvements would continue through SN20.[43] SpaceX began stacking SN1 in February 2020 after successful pressurization tests on propellant tank prototypes. SN1 was destroyed during a cryogenic pressurization test on February 28, 2020, due to a design flaw in the lower tank thrust structure.[44][45]

Mk4 began construction in Florida in October 2019,[46] but was scrapped after a few weeks.

Hops (SN3–SN6)

[edit]

SN3 and SN4

[edit]

SN3 was destroyed during testing on April 3, 2020[47][48] due to a failure in the testing configuration.[47]

Static fire of SN4

SN4 passed cryogenic pressure testing on April 26[49] and two static fires on May 5 and May 7: one tested the main tanks, while the other tested the fuel header tank.[50] After uninstalling the engine, a new cryogenic pressure test was conducted on May 19. A leak in the methane fuel piping ignited, causing significant damage to the rocket's base, destroying the control wiring.[51] SN4 was destroyed on May 29, due to a failure with the Ground Support Equipment's quick-disconnect function.[52]

SN5 and SN6

[edit]

After a static fire test on July 30,[53] SN5 completed a 150-meter flight (August 4) with engine SN27.[14][54] SN5 was scrapped in February 2021.[55]

SN6 completed a static fire on August 24, and a 150-meter hop test flight with engine SN29 on September 3. In January 2021, SN6 was scrapped.[56]

High-altitude test flights (SN8–S23)

[edit]
SN8 shortly after taking off during its test flight
Photograph of Elon Musk alongside the remains of Starship
Starship SN8 remains after it crashed to the ground
SN9 on Suborbital Pad B, with the production facility in the background

SN8 and SN9

[edit]

SN8 was planned to be built out of 304L stainless steel,[57] although some parts may have used 301L steel.[58] In late October and November, SN8 underwent four static fires. During the third test, on November 12, 2020, debris from the pad caused the vehicle to lose pneumatics.[59] Launch took place on December 9. Launch, ascent, reorientation, and controlled descent were successful, but low pressure in the methane header tank[60] kept the engines from producing enough thrust for the landing burn, destroying SN8 on impact.[61]

On December 11, 2020, the stand beneath SN9 failed, causing the vehicle to tip and contact the walls inside the High Bay.[62] SN9 then required a replacement forward flap.[63] SN9 conducted 6 static fires in January 2021,[64] including three static fires in one day.[65] After these tests, two engines had to be replaced.[66] After struggling to gain U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permission,[67] SN9 conducted a 10 km (6.2 mi) flight test on February 2. Ascent, engine cutoffs, reorientation and controlled descent were stable, but one engine's oxygen pre-burner failed, sending SN9 crashing into the landing pad.[68] The landing pad was then reinforced with an additional layer of concrete.[69] After the SN9 failure, all three engines were used to perform the belly flop landing sequence. This offered a failsafe should one fail to ignite.[70][71]

SN10–SN14

[edit]

SN10 underwent a cryogenic proof test on February 8, 2021, followed by a static fire on February 23.[72] After an engine swap, another static fire was conducted on February 25.[73]

Two launch attempts were conducted on March 3. The first attempt was automatically aborted after one engine produced too much thrust while throttling up. After a 3-hour delay to increase the tolerance,[74] the second attempt launched and landed successfully. The test ended with a hard landing-at 10 m/s – most likely due to partial helium ingestion from the fuel header tank. Three landing legs were not locked in place, producing a slight lean after landing. Although the vehicle initially remained intact, the impact crushed the legs and part of the leg skirt. Eight minutes later the prototype exploded.[75][76]

SN11 accomplished a cryogenic proof test on March 12 that included a test of the Reaction control system (RCS),[77][78] followed by a static fire test on March 15, 2021. Immediately after ignition, the test was aborted.[79] Another static fire attempt[80] led to reports that one of the three engines had been removed for repairs.[81] A replacement engine was installed[82] and a third static fire was attempted on March 26.[83] A 10 km flight test was conducted in heavy fog on March 30. The test included engine cutoffs, flip maneuver, flap control and descent, along with a visible fire on engine 2[84] during the ascent. Just after the defective engine was re-ignited for the landing burn, SN11 lost telemetry at T+ 5:49 and disintegrated.[85]

SN12 through SN14 never launched.[86]

SN15–SN19

[edit]

SN15 introduced improved avionics software, an updated aft skirt propellant architecture, and a new Raptor design and configuration.[87][88] A Starlink antenna on the side of the vehicle was another new feature.[89] SN15 underwent an ambient temperature pressure test on April 9, 2021,[90] followed by a cryogenic proof test on April 12, and a header tank cryogenic proof test on April 13.[91][92] A static fire was conducted on April 26,[93][94] and a header tank static fire on April 27 followed.[95] A 10 km (33,000 ft) high-altitude flight test was conducted in overcast weather on May 5, achieving a soft touchdown. A small fire near the base started shortly after landing, though this was extinguished.[96] After its engines were removed, it was moved to the Rocket Garden on May 31, 2021.[97] On July 26, 2023, SN15 was scrapped.[98]

SN16 was scrapped, while SN17, SN18, and SN19 were never completed.

SN20 getting its heat shield inspected

SN20/Ship 20–Ship 23

[edit]

Static fire test of SN20 on October 21, 2021

SN20 was the first vehicle with a complete thermal protection system (TPS). SN20 rolled out to the launch mount on August 5, 2021, and was stacked onto Booster 4 for a fit test.[99][100][101] U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filings in May 2021 by SpaceX stated that the orbital flight would launch from Boca Chica, Texas. After separation, Starship would enter orbit and around 90 minutes later attempt a soft ocean landing around 100 km off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii.[102] However, S20 was retired in March 2022. As of April 2024, SN20 (Ship 20) remains in the Rocket Garden.

Ship 21 was scrapped before being completed.[103]

Ship 22 moved to the Rocket Garden in late February 2022. It was later scrapped, in favor of using S24 for integrated flight test 1 (IFT-1).[103] Its nosecone was converted into a HLS interior mockup. 3d Artist TheSpaceEngineer has claimed that this mockup features two decks, the first containing the life support systems (ECLSS), and the second serving as habitation for the crew.[104]

Ship 23 was scrapped and partially recycled in Ship 24.[105]

Block 1 launches (S24–S38)

[edit]

Ship 24 and Ship 25

[edit]

Ship 24 was first spotted in November 2021, and conducted cryogenic proof tests on June 2, 2022, June 6, and June 7.[106][107] On June 9, Ship 24 was rolled back to the production site for engine installation,[108] and was rolled to Suborbital Pad B on July 5.[109][110] Ship 24 conducted a series of spin prime tests in mid-late July.[111][112][113][114] It completed a two engine static fire test on August 9,[115] followed by an additional spin prime test on August 25.[116] On September 8, 2022, Ship 24 underwent a six engine static fire test.[117] The ship was subsequently stacked on top of Booster 7 in mid-October, followed by two destacks in October and early November.[118][119][120] On December 15, Ship 24 conducted a single engine static test fire.[121][122] In January 2023, Booster 7 and Ship 24 conducted a Wet Dress Rehearsal.[123] On April 20, 2023, Ship 24 was destroyed in flight along with Booster 7 after spinning out of control.[124][125]

Ship 25 was a Starship prototype similar to Ship 24, equipped with a heat shield and a payload bay, though this was permanently welded shut.[126] It was used to test the cryogenic test stand at Massey's test site.[126] During the third week of May 2023, Ship 25 was moved to the launch site and lifted onto suborbital pad B for engine testing.[126] On June 21, 2023, Ship 25 performed a successful spin prime test,[126] On June 26, 2023, Ship 25 underwent its first static fire test, igniting all six engines.[126] On August 5, 2023, it was moved to the Rocket Garden for final TPS work.[126] It was lifted onto B9 for the first time on September 5, and was destacked several times throughout the rest of the month and mid October.[126] On October 22, B9 underwent two partial cryogenic tests, while S25 was not tested,[126] followed by a full wet dress rehearsal (WDR) two days later.[126] On November 18, 2023, Ship 25 was launched atop Booster 9 on the second Integrated Flight Test, with Ship 25 successfully separating from Booster 9.[126] Near the end of its burn, a LOX dump started a fire in the engine bay, causing an explosion.[126] The autonomous flight termination system activated, destroying the vehicle.[126]

Ship 26 and 27

[edit]

Ship 26 was an expendable Starship prototype, lacking heat shield tiles and flaps. Ship 26 also lacked a payload bay door. On September 9, 2023, S26 was moved to Suborbital Pad B for static fire testing.[127] S26 then underwent a cryogenic test on October 9, 2023, followed by a preburner test with a single engine nine days later,[128] and a single engine static fire test on October 20, 2023, simulating a deorbit burn. On December 16, 2023, SpaceX crews began welding large steel pieces onto S26's payload bay, although it is unclear what was the reason behind this reinforcement.[129] Additional supports were added on December 20, 2023.[130] S26 was rolled to the Massey's site on May 8 for static fire stand testing.[131][132] S26 conducted a cryogenic test on May 24,[133] followed by a six engine static fire on June 3.[134] S26's engines were removed on August 14.[135] It was moved into the High Bay on November 20,[136] where it was scrapped.[137]

Like S26, S27 was an expendable prototype, lacking heat shield tiles. It was the first Ship to have a reinforced payload dispenser. Ship 27 was scrapped on July 20, 2023, after the common dome failed.[138] S27's aft section was then converted into a test article, presumably to test the engine shielding design present on S25.[139] On September 27, 2023, S27 was rolled to the Massey's test site.[139]

Ships 28–32

[edit]

Ship 28, along with subsequent Block 1 models, features heat shield tiles as well as reinforced Starlink satellite dispensers.[140] In July 2023, S28 underwent cryogenic testing, before receiving engines on August 18.[141] On December 14, S28 was moved to the launch site and lifted onto Suborbital Pad B,[142] where it completed a spin prime test on December 16,[141] followed by a six engine static fire test on December 20,[141] and a deorbit burn test on December 29.[142] S28 was moved to the Orbital Launch Site for IFT-3 on February 10,[141] and was stacked onto the B10 rocket.[141] The combined vehicle conducted two aborted wet dress rehearsal attempts on February 14 and February 16.[141][143] It was returned to Suborbital Pad B on February 19,[141] where underwent a spin prime test on February 26,[141] On March 3, 2024, B10 and S28 completed a wet dress rehearsal,[141] followed by a final destack on March 5 for FTS installation.[141] The FTS was armed on March 8, 2024,[141] followed by S28 being restacked on March 10, 2024.[141] S28 flew with B10 on March 14, and reached orbit. It conducted tests of the Payload Dispenser and fuel transfer system, before being destroyed during reentry.[144]

On September 22, 2023, S29 was moved to Massey's for cryogenic testing, where it was cryogenically tested on September 26,.[145] On November 21, 2023, S29 was moved into the High Bay,[145] and on February 29, S29 was moved to the launch site,[145] where it underwent a cryogenic test on March 7,[146] followed by a spin prime test on March 11.[147] On March 12, 2024, S29 was briefly removed from the launch site to prevent damage from IFT-3, before returning ahead of two static fire tests on March 25 and March 27.[148][145] On May 15, S29 was lifted onto B11, with the combined vehicle completing a partial cryogenic test on May 16,[149] and a full wet dress rehearsal on May 20.[150] A second wet dress rehearsal was conducted on May 28.[151] On May 29, S29 was destacked for final tile work and Flight Termination System (FTS) Installation,[145] with FTS installation occurring on May 30.[145] S29 was stacked onto B11 for the final time on June 5.[145] On June 6, S29 was launched with B11 on IFT-4, with S29 completing a full ascent burn with no engine failures.[152] It retained attitude control into reentry, despite the near-complete loss of a forward flap,[152] and achieved a successful landing burn.[152]

S30 was moved to Massey's test site for cryogenic testing on December 30, 2023.[153] On January 3, 2024, S30 underwent its first cryogenic test.[153] On May 1, it was rolled to the Suborbital Launch Site,[154] where it was lifted onto Suborbital Pad B for static fire testing.[155] It conducted a cryogenic test on May 7,[156] followed by an aborted static fire test,[157] and a 6 engine static fire test on May 8. On June 11, SpaceX began removing and replacing S30s thermal protection system, adding a backup ablative layer.[153] S30 was rolled to Massey's on July 20,[153] ahead of a 6 engine static fire on July 26,[158] and rolled back to the production site on July 27.[153] One of S30's Raptor Vacuum engines was replaced on August 3,[153] and it was rolled back to Massey's on August 6,[153] where it conducted a spin prime test on August 7.[159] SpaceX claimed that B12 and S30 were ready to fly on August 8.[159] S30 was then rolled back to the production site.[153] On September 21, S30 was lifted onto B12.[160] A partial wet dress rehearsal was conducted on September 23.[161] followed by a second partial wet dress rehearsal on October 7,[162] followed by S30 being destacked for FTS installation.[163] FTS was installed on both vehicles on October 9,[164] and S30 was stacked onto B12 for Flight 5 on October 11.[153] On October 13, S30 launched on B12, and reached the desired trajectory after a nominal ascent burn with no engine failures. Like S29, S30 retained attitude control through reentry, and successfully reignited its engines for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.[165] As of October 13, 2024, S30 is the largest artificial object to reenter Earth's atmosphere.[166]

On December 14, 2023, S31 was moved to the Rocket Garden,[167] before being moved back into the High Bay on January 4.[168] It was rolled to Massey's test site for cryogenic testing on May 11,[169] with the first test ending prematurely due to an electrical anomaly.[170] After being repaired, it returned to Massey's,[171] where it was cryogenically tested on July 2 and July 3.[172] On July 5, S31 was moved to Mega Bay 2 for engine installation.[173] The process of replacing S31's thermal protection system began in early August.[174] On September 6, S31 was rolled to Massey's for static fire testing.[175] It attempted to static fire on September 8, with the test being aborted due to the weather.[176] S31 conducted a static fire on September 18,[141] and it was rolled back to the production site on September 20.[177] S31 was moved to the launch site for IFT-6 on November 11,[178] where its Flight Termination System was installed on November 12.[179] It was stacked onto Booster 13 (B13) on November 14,[180] with the combined vehicle conducted a partial wet dress rehearsal on November 17.[181] On November 19, S31 launched on B13, and reached the desired trajectory.[22] After conducting a relight of a raptor engine, S31 reenetered the atmosphere, and successfully completed the landing burn for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.[22] Several components of S31, including multiple tiles and COPVs, were recovered for analysis in Australia.[182][183]

On November 24, Elon Musk implied that S32 would be the last Block 1 starship.[184] On January 10, 2024, S32 was moved to the Rocket Garden.[153] SpaceX confirmed that Flight 7 and subsequent launches would use Block 2 vehicles.[185]

Ships 33–38

[edit]

In late November, 2023, the original S33's components were scrapped,[186] alongside the components of the original S34 through S38.[103]

Block 2 launches (Ships 33 and subsequent)

[edit]

Block 2 ships will feature a new forward flap design, increased propellant capacity, and an increase in thrust.[187] Additionally, the leeward side of the vehicle has some external stringers.[188] These vehicles will be a total of 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) meters taller than the previous Block 1 ships.[187]

On July 24, 2024, S33's nosecone and payload bay were rolled into Mega Bay 2.[189] Stacking of the vehicle was completed on August 23.[190] On October 26, S33 rolled to the Massey's test site,[191] where it conducted a series of cryogenic tests.[192] After engine installation, it returned to Massey's on December 11.[193] It conducted a spin prime on December 12[193] with an aborted static fire on December 14,[194] and a static fire on December 15.[195] This was followed by a single engine static fire,[196] and a return to Mega Bay 2 for final pre-flight modifications.[197]

On September 19, 2024, S34's nosecone was rolled into the High bay ahead of integration with the payload bay.[198] The combined assembly was then rolled into the Starfactory,[199] and from there into Mega Bay 2.[200]

S35's payload bay was rolled into the High Bay ahead of stacking with its nosecone.[201]

Test articles

[edit]

Starship-based test articles

[edit]

Liquid Oxygen Header Test Tank (LOX HTT) was based on the LOX Header tank, as well as surrounding parts of the nosecone. On January 24, 2020, the tank underwent a pressurization test which lasted several hours.[206] The following day it was tested to destruction.[202]

SN2 was a test tank used to test welding quality and thrust puck design. The thrust puck is found on the bottom of the vehicle where in later Starship tests up to three sea-level Raptor engines would be mounted. SN2 passed a pressure test on March 8, 2020.[45][44]

SN7 was a pathfinder test article for the switch to type 304L stainless steel.[57] A cryogenic proof test was performed on June 15, 2020, achieving a pressure of 7.6 bar (110 psi) before a leak occurred. During a pressurize to failure test on June 23, 2020, the tank burst at an unknown pressure.[207][204]

SN7.1 was the second 304L test tank, with the goal of reaching a higher failure pressure.[57] The tank was repeatedly tested in September, and tested to destruction on September 23.[208] The bulkhead came apart at a pressure of 8 bar (115 psi) in ullage and 9 bar (130 psi) at base.[209][205]

SN7.2 was created to test thinner walls, and therefore, lower mass. It is believed to be constructed from 3 mm steel sheets rather than the 4 mm thickness of its predecessors.[210] On January 26, 2021, SN7.2 passed a cryogenic proof test. On February 4, during a pressurize to failure test, the tank developed a leak.[211][71] On March 15, SN7.2 was retired.[212][213]

S24.1 was a test article design to test the redesigned aft section present on Block 1 ships after S24. It conducted a single test on the can-crusher on October 7, 2022. After this test failed, it received modifications before completing two tests on December 5 and December 6.[214]

S26.1 was a test tank designed to test the aft section of Block 1 ships after S24.1's failure. It conducted two tests on the can-crusher, before being moved off in July 2023.[215] On September 21, 2023, it was tested to destruction.[216]

S24.2 was a test article designed to test the payload bay of Starlink dispenser vehicles.[217] On September 28, 2023, it was moved to the Massey's test site. It performed two tests before subsequently being scrapped.

TT16 is a test tank designed for testing the Block 2 ship aft section,[218][219] consisting of an aft section and a small common dome section. Its official designation is not yet known.[188] On July 18, it was rolled to the Massey's test site for structural testing.[218] It conducted two cryogenic tests on July 25,[220] followed by another test on September 6, 2024.[221] It was returned to the production site in early October for scrapping.[222]

General test articles

[edit]

Test Tank 1 (TT1) was a subscale test tank consisting of two forward bulkheads connected by a small barrel section. TT1 was used to test new materials and construction methods. On January 10, 2020, TT1 was tested to failure as part of an ambient temperature test, reaching a pressure of 7.1 bar (103 psi).[223][225]

Test Tank 2 (TT2) was another subscale test tank similar to TT1. On January 27, 2020, TT2 underwent an ambient temperature pressure test where it reached a pressure of 7.5 bar (109 psi) before a leak occurred.[226] Two days later, it underwent a cryogenic proof test to destruction, bursting at 8.5 bar (123 psi).[227][224][228]

GSE 4.1 was first spotted in August 2021 and was the first ground support equipment (GSE) test tank built, made from parts of GSE 4.[214] It underwent a cryogenic proof test in August 2021 before it was rolled to the Sanchez site.[229] It was rolled back to the launch site in November 2021, where it underwent an apparent cryogenic proof test to failure on January 18, 2022, where it burst at an unknown pressure.[230]

EDOME was a test tank created to test flatter domes, possibly used on future Starship prototypes. It was moved to the launch site in July 2022, and then back to the production site the next month, after undergoing no tests.[231] It was later moved from the production site to the Massey's test site in late September 2022, where it was damaged during a cryogenic pressure test to failure.[231] After repairs, it was tested to destruction in late October 2022.[231]

EDOME 2 was a test tank which is likely designed to continue testing a flatter dome design. As of October 4, 2023, its official designation is unknown. It was tested once, before being scrapped for unknown reasons.[232]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Amos, Jonathan (August 6, 2021). "Biggest ever rocket is assembled briefly in Texas". BBC News. Archived from the original on August 11, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  2. ^ Dans, Enrique. "Elon Musk's Economies Of Scale Won SpaceX The NASA Moonshot". Forbes. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  3. ^ Wattles, Jackie (September 29, 2019). "Elon Musk says SpaceX's Mars rocket will be cheaper than he once thought. Here's why". CNN Business. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  4. ^ Meredith Garofalo (June 8, 2024). "SpaceX wants to build 1 Starship megarocket a day with new Starfactory". Space.com. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  5. ^ Jax (June 4, 2024). "From Render to Reality: A Status Update on Starship Block 2". Ringwatchers. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  6. ^ Berger, Eric (April 8, 2024). "Elon Musk just gave another Mars speech—this time the vision seems tangible". Ars Technica. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  7. ^ Everyday Astronaut (May 26, 2022). Go up SpaceX's Starship-catching robotic launch tower with Elon Musk!. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ NASASpaceflight (October 15, 2024). SpaceX Rolls Booster 12 to the Production Site After Catch | Starbase. Retrieved October 15, 2024 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ "SpaceX may 'cannibalize' its first Mars rocket-ship prototype in Elon Musk's race to launch Starship". Business Insider. August 7, 2019. Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  10. ^ "Application for new or modified radio station under FCC rules". June 4, 2020. Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Wall, Mike (August 27, 2019). "SpaceX Starhopper Rocket Prototype Aces Highest (and Final) Test Flight". Space.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  12. ^ Baylor, Michael (August 27, 2019). "SpaceX's Starhopper completes 150 meter test hop". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  13. ^ Ralph, Eric (August 4, 2020). "SpaceX Starship leaps towards Mars with picture-perfect hop debut". Teslarati. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  14. ^ a b Baylor, Michael (August 3, 2020). "Starship SN5 conducts successful 150-meter flight test". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  15. ^ Wall, Mike (September 3, 2020). "Starship SN6 maiden hop complete - Super Heavy is coming". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  16. ^ "NOTAM". Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  17. ^ Cotton, Ethan (January 24, 2021). "Starship SN9: 10 kilometer flight". Everyday Astronaut. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  18. ^ Cotton, Ethan (February 22, 2021). "When will SN10 launch? Live Updates". Everyday Astronaut. Archived from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  19. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN10 History". Next Spaceflight. Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  20. ^ SpaceX (March 30, 2021). Starship | SN11 | High-Altitude Flight Test. Archived from the original on December 17, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via YouTube.
  21. ^ Wall, Mike (May 5, 2021). "SpaceX launches Starship SN15 rocket and sticks the landing in high-altitude test flight". Space.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  22. ^ a b c SpaceX Launches Starship Flight 6 (Booster Catch Aborted). NASASpaceflight. November 19, 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2024 – via YouTube.
  23. ^ Commercial Space Transportation Experimental Permit – Experimental Permit Number: EP19-012, FAA, June 21, 2019, accessed June 29, 2019
  24. ^ Gebhardt, Chris (March 18, 2019). "Starhopper first flight as early as this week; Starship/Superheavy updates". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  25. ^ "Starhopper / WAI Hub". www.whataboutit.space. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  26. ^ Burghardt, Thomas (July 25, 2019). "Starhopper successfully conducts debut Boca Chica Hop". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  27. ^ a b Gebhardt, Chris (April 3, 2019). "Starhopper conducts Raptor Static Fire test". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  28. ^ Grush, Loren (April 3, 2019). "SpaceX just fired up the engine on its test Starship vehicle for the first time". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  29. ^ a b c Baylor, Michael (May 17, 2019). "SpaceX considering SSTO Starship launches from Pad 39A". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on May 18, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  30. ^ Bergin, Chris [@NASASpaceflight] (April 5, 2019). "StarHopper enjoys second Raptor Static Fire!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 23, 2019 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Berger, Eric (July 26, 2019). "SpaceX's Starship prototype has taken flight for the first time". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  32. ^ Foust, Jeff (August 27, 2019). "SpaceX's Starhopper completes test flight". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on November 26, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  33. ^ Starhopper Relocates At Starbase. NASASpaceflight. September 3, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2024 – via YouTube.
  34. ^ a b Berger, Eric (May 15, 2019). "SpaceX plans to A/B test its Starship rocketship builds". ars Technica. Archived from the original on May 19, 2019. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  35. ^ Ralph, Eric (December 24, 2018). "SpaceX CEO Elon Musk: Starship prototype to have 3 Raptors and "mirror finish"". Teslarati. Archived from the original on December 24, 2018. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  36. ^ Foust, Jeff (December 24, 2018). "Musk teases new details about redesigned next-generation launch system". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on December 25, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  37. ^ a b c Wall, Mike (September 30, 2019). "'Totally Nuts'? Elon Musk Aims to Put a Starship in Orbit in 6 Months. Here's SpaceX's Plan". Space.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  38. ^ Bergin, Chris (October 30, 2019). "Starship Mk1 arrives at launch site ahead of flight test". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  39. ^ "SpaceX's Starship is a new kind of rocket, in every sense". The Economist. October 5, 2019. Archived from the original on November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  40. ^ Grush, Loren (November 20, 2019). "SpaceX's prototype Starship rocket partially bursts during testing in Texas". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 21, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  41. ^ Wall, Mike (November 20, 2019). "SpaceX's 1st Full-Size Starship Prototype Suffers Anomaly in Pressure Test". Space.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  42. ^ Marley, Ronnie (November 20, 2019). "SpaceX moving to MK3 vehicle following incident at Boca Chica Facility". CBS News. Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  43. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (December 28, 2019). "We're now building flight design of Starship SN1, but each SN will have at least minor improvements, at least through SN20 or so of Starship V1.0" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  44. ^ a b Wall, Mike (March 10, 2020). "SpaceX's latest Starship prototype passes big tank pressure test". Space.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  45. ^ a b Foust, Jeff (March 1, 2020). "Second Starship prototype damaged in pressurization test". SpaceNews. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  46. ^ Sheetz, Michael (October 17, 2019). "Aerial video shows SpaceX beginning construction of another Starship rocket in Florida". CNBC. Archived from the original on October 18, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  47. ^ a b "Starship SN3 failure due to bad commanding. SN4 already under construction". NASASpaceFlight.com. April 5, 2020. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  48. ^ Berger, Eric (April 3, 2020). "SpaceX loses its third Starship prototype during a cryogenic test". arstechnica. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  49. ^ Baylor, Michael (April 26, 2020). "SN4 becomes first full-scale Starship prototype to pass cryogenic proof test". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  50. ^ Arevalo, Evelyn (May 9, 2020). "SpaceX completes another round of Starship tests at Boca Chica". Tesmanian. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  51. ^ Ralph, Eric (May 22, 2020). "SpaceX Starship prototype charred but intact after catching fire [photos]". Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  52. ^ Foust, Jeff (May 29, 2020). "SpaceX Starship prototype destroyed after static-fire test". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  53. ^ Bergin, Chris (July 27, 2020). "Starship SN5 completes successful Static Fire test". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  54. ^ Etherington, Darrell (August 5, 2020). "SpaceX Successfully Flies its Starship Prototype to a Height of Around 500 Feet". techcrunch. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  55. ^ @bocachicagal (February 4, 2021). "The crew are currently cutting around the upper portion of Starship SN5" (Tweet). Retrieved February 4, 2021 – via Twitter.
  56. ^ New 3mm Thick Test Tank Stacked – Starship SN6 Scrapped. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. January 12, 2021. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023 – via YouTube.
  57. ^ a b c Baylor, Michael (July 15, 2020). "Starship SN5 set for a static fire followed shortly by a 150-meter hop attempt". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020. The most recent test tank, designated SN7, achieved a record pressure before it failed. SN7 was the pathfinder vehicle for the switch to 304L stainless steel. The next test tank – designated SN7.1 – will feature further build-quality improvements, as it attempts to break the record set by SN7.
  58. ^ "As Starships line up, Musk calibrates expectations for SN8 test". November 1, 2020. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  59. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN8 History". nextspaceflight.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  60. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (December 9, 2020). "Fuel header tank pressure was low during landing burn, causing touchdown velocity to be high & RUD, but we got all the data we needed! Congrats SpaceX team hell yeah!!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  61. ^ Wall, Mike (December 10, 2020). "SpaceX's Starship SN8 Prototype Soars on Epic Test Launch, with Explosive Landing". Scientific American. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  62. ^ Ralph, Eric (December 14, 2020). "SpaceX almost drops finished Starship prototype – but it might be salvageable". TESLARATI. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  63. ^ Starship SN9 Gets a New Forward Flap – Tankzilla Prepared for move. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. December 20, 2020. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023 – via YouTube.
  64. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN9 History". nextspaceflight.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  65. ^ Wall, Mike (January 13, 2021). "SpaceX's Starship SN9 prototype fires up rocket engines three times in one day". Space.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  66. ^ Wall, Mike (January 15, 2021). "SpaceX swapping out two engines on Starship SN9 prototype ahead of test flight". Space.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
  67. ^ Foust, Jeff (January 29, 2021). "FAA reviews delay SpaceX Starship test". SpaceNews. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  68. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (February 2, 2021). "Nice try, SN9! But didn't hit SN10 or the Tank Farm. You're next, SN10!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  69. ^ Starship Landing Pad Work ahead of SN10 Launch – SN11/SN16 Prepare. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. February 11, 2021. Archived from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  70. ^ @elonmusk (February 4, 2021). "It was foolish of us not to start 3 engines & immediately shut down 1, as 2 are needed to land. Will these changes be able to be implemented into the SN10 test flight? Yes" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  71. ^ a b Bergin, Chris (February 7, 2021). "Starship SN10's Raptors installed ahead of testing and refined landing attempt". NASASpaceflight. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  72. ^ Ralph, Eric (February 23, 2021). "SpaceX Starship static fire bodes well for a launch later this week". www.teslarati.com. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  73. ^ Wall, Mike (February 25, 2021). "SpaceX fires up SN10 Starship prototype for 2nd time". space.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  74. ^ @elonmusk (March 3, 2021). "Launch abort on slightly conservative high thrust limit. Increasing thrust limit & recycling propellant for another flight attempt today" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  75. ^ "SpaceX's Starship rocket lands but then explodes". BBC News. March 4, 2021. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  76. ^ "Elon Musk reveals why the SN10 Starship exploded". Engadget. March 10, 2021. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  77. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (March 11, 2021). "Road open and workers heading back to the pad, led by the SpaceX Security Tesla with its disco lights flashing. That concludes Cryo proof testing for Starship SN11" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  78. ^ @NASASpaceflight (March 12, 2021). "Starship SN11 RCS (Reaction Control System) testing" (Tweet). Retrieved March 12, 2021 – via Twitter.
  79. ^ @NASASpaceflight (March 15, 2021). "Starship SN11. Aborted Static Fire" (Tweet). Retrieved March 15, 2021 – via Twitter.
  80. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (March 22, 2021). "STATIC FIRE! Starship SN11 has fired up her three engines ahead of a test flight (as early as Tuesday), pending good test data (looked/sounded good!)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  81. ^ Baylor, Michael [@nextspaceflight] (March 24, 2021). "SpaceX will conduct a second static fire test after one of three Raptor engines on Starship SN11 had to be removed for repairs. The static fire could occur as soon as Friday, pending Raptor readiness and road closures" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 31, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  82. ^ Mahlmann, Trevor [@TrevorMahlmann] (March 25, 2021). "It's up and it's good! SpaceX Raptor 46 has risen up into the engine bay to be installed" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 31, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  83. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (March 26, 2021). "STATIC FIRE! Starship SN11 fires up (at least) Raptor SN46. Providing the data review is good, a launch will be attempted later today" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 29, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  84. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (March 30, 2021). "@SpaceX Looks like engine 2 had issues on ascent & didn't reach operating chamber pressure during landing burn, but, in theory, it wasn't needed. Something significant happened shortly after landing burn start. Should know what it was once we can examine the bits later today" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 31, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  85. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (March 30, 2021). "Ended in a RUD. Remember, it's a test program and they've gained a lot of wins from the four flights. Stable controlled descent is one, but long-duration Raptor performance deserves a shoutout" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  86. ^ @bocachicagal (January 23, 2021). "Meanwhile, at SpaceX Boca Chica Starship SN10 took a peek out of the high bay as Starship SN12's aft section was being scrapped" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  87. ^ @elonmusk (November 25, 2020). "Major upgrades are slated for SN15" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  88. ^ "Starship SN15 Flight Test". SpaceX. May 5, 2021. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  89. ^ "SpaceX installs Starlink dish on upgraded Starship prototype". April 14, 2021. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  90. ^ @op_boca (April 9, 2021). "Today, SpaceX teams conducted an ambient pressure test of Starship SN15" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  91. ^ "SpaceX's upgraded Starship gets frosty during cryogenic proof test". Teslarati. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  92. ^ "When will SN15 launch? Live Updates". April 8, 2021. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  93. ^ @NASASpaceflight (April 26, 2021). "STATIC FIRE!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  94. ^ @elonmusk (April 27, 2021). "Starship SN15 static fire completed, preparing for flight later this week" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  95. ^ @TheFavoritist (April 28, 2021). "Starship SN15 static fires its Raptors again, though this time we believe only a single was engine fired" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  96. ^ Timmer, John (May 5, 2021). "SpaceX successfully lands a Starship test flight". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  97. ^ "SN15". The Starship Campaign. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  98. ^ Beyer, Jack [@thejackbeyer] (July 27, 2023). "RIP SN15" (Tweet). Retrieved September 11, 2024 – via Twitter.
  99. ^ SN20 Leg Skirt Spotted – BN1 Booster Double Section Lifted Onto New Stand. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. March 8, 2021. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  100. ^ @NASASpaceflight (April 7, 2021). "As Starship SN15 prepares to roll to the launch site, the Forward Dome of SN20 has been spotted, with this vehicle set to be an Orbital Class Starship" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  101. ^ @_brendan_lewis (April 9, 2021). "The current status of SpaceX's Starship & Superheavy prototypes" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  102. ^ Clark, Stephen. "SpaceX outlines plans for Starship orbital test flight – Spaceflight Now". Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  103. ^ a b c Jax (April 14, 2024). "Something New: What's the Hardware Status of Starship Version 2?". Ringwatchers. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  104. ^ TheSpaceEngineer [@mcrs987] (November 2, 2024). "SpaceX's first true Human Landing System prototype" (Tweet). Retrieved November 2, 2024 – via Twitter.
  105. ^ Wall, Mike (August 10, 2022). "SpaceX fires up Starship and Super Heavy Booster 7 ahead of test flight". Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  106. ^ Ship 24 Undergoes Third Cryo Proof Test. SpaceX Boca Chica. June 8, 2022. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  107. ^ Ship 24 Completes Cryogenic Proof Testing | Starship Boca Chica, June 3, 2022, archived from the original on December 17, 2023, retrieved December 17, 2023
  108. ^ Ship 24 Rolled Back for Raptor Installation. SpaceX Boca Chica. June 9, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  109. ^ Starship 24 Rolled To The Launch Site. SpaceX Boca Chica. July 5, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  110. ^ Ship 24 Lifted Onto Pad B for Testing. SpaceX Boca Chica. July 7, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  111. ^ Ship 24 Spin Prime Testing. SpaceX Boca Chica. July 18, 2022. Archived from the original on May 1, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  112. ^ Fresh Raptor Engines Arrive (while others depart). SpaceX Boca Chica. July 21, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  113. ^ Ship 24 Raptor Engines Tested with Two Spin Primes. SpaceX Boca Chica. July 22, 2022. Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  114. ^ Starship and Booster Engine Testing Double Header. SpaceX Boca Chica. August 9, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  115. ^ Starship 24 Static Fire Testing. SpaceX Boca Chica. August 9, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  116. ^ Booster and Ship Spin Prime Testing. SpaceX Boca Chica. August 26, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  117. ^ Starship 24 Six Engine Static Fire Test. SpaceX Boca Chica. September 8, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  118. ^ Starship 24 Destacked Amid Potential Problems. SpaceX Boca Chica. October 18, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  119. ^ Starship 25 Rolled out and Starship 24 Re-Stacked. SpaceX Boca Chica. October 20, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  120. ^ Ship 24 Destacked from Booster 7 for Static Fire. SpaceX Boca Chica. November 9, 2022. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  121. ^ Starship 24 Single Engine Static Fire. SpaceX Boca Chica. December 15, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  122. ^ Booster 9 Rolls Out With All New Design. SpaceX Boca Chica. December 16, 2022. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  123. ^ Foust, Jeff (January 24, 2023). "SpaceX completes Starship wet dress rehearsal". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  124. ^ Starship 24 Destacked and Rolled Back for Final Launch Preparations. SpaceX Boca Chica. January 27, 2023. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  125. ^ Ship 24 Prepared for Flight. SpaceX Boca Chica. January 31, 2023. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  126. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Jax (November 18, 2023). "Preparing for Flight 2: The Chronological History of S25 & B9". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  127. ^ Ship 26 Rolled Out for Static Fire. SpaceX Boca Chica. September 10, 2023. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  128. ^ Ship 26 Tested, Hot Stage Ring Removed Again. SpaceX Boca Chica. October 11, 2023. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  129. ^ @Ringwatchers (December 15, 2023). "Weird Events Today with Ship 26" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  130. ^ @Ringwatchers (December 20, 2023). "Lots of external stringers have been added to the bottom of Ship 26's Payload Bay section, now that's a weird one" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023 – via Twitter.
  131. ^ Marcus House (May 11, 2024). SpaceX's FINAL Starship Static Fire! But why?. Retrieved May 11, 2024 – via YouTube.
  132. ^ Booster 11 Lifted Onto the OLM for Pre-Launch Testing. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. May 12, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2024 – via YouTube.
  133. ^ RGV Aerial Photography (May 25, 2024). "Second Launch Tower Construction Begins!". Starbase Weekly. Episode 117. Retrieved May 25, 2024 – via YouTube.
  134. ^ It's Launch Week! (BONUS: Ship 26 Static Fire @ Masseys). Countdown to Launch. NASASpaceflight. June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via YouTube.
  135. ^ Bergin, Chris [@nasaspaceflight] (August 14, 2024). "Old test vehicle Ship 26 is having its engines removed" (Tweet). Retrieved August 14, 2024 – via Twitter.
  136. ^ Golden, Zack (November 20, 2024). "After allowing it to live long enough to see the last of its V1 Counterparts fly". X (Formerly Twitter). Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  137. ^ McCrea, Aaron (November 27, 2024). "Starbase continues its rapid pace of advancement after Starship Flight 6". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  138. ^ Booster 9 Rolled Out and Lifted onto the Launch Mount. SpaceX Boca Chica. July 21, 2023. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  139. ^ a b Jax (September 28, 2023). "A Critical Test: Ship 27 Makes a Confusing Comeback". Ringwatchers. Archived from the original on November 28, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  140. ^ Jax (January 13, 2024). "Time for Round 3: What's New on Starship 28 & Booster 10?". Ringwatchers. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  141. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m memereview (March 13, 2024). "Onward to Flight 3: The Complete History of S28 & B10". Ringwatchers. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  142. ^ a b Make Way! Starbase Demolitions Clear Room for Starfactory. SpaceX Boca Chica. June 7, 2023. Archived from the original on June 7, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  143. ^ SpaceX Performs Second Attempt of B10/S28 Wet Dress Rehearsal. NASASpaceflight. February 16, 2024. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024 – via YouTube.
  144. ^ SpaceX Launches Third Starship Flight Test. NASASpaceflight. March 14, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024 – via YouTube.
  145. ^ a b c d e f g memereview (June 6, 2024). "Speeding on to Flight 4: The Chronology of S29 & B11". Ringwatchers. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  146. ^ SpaceX Tests Ship 29 in Preparation for the Fourth Starship Flight. NASASpaceflight. March 7, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024 – via YouTube.
  147. ^ SpaceX Tests Ship 29 Again in Preparation for the Fourth Starship Flight. NASASpaceflight. March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024 – via YouTube.
  148. ^ SpaceX Static Fires Ship 29 in Preparation for the Fourth Starship Flight. NASASpaceflight. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024 – via YouTube.
  149. ^ SpaceX Tests the Full Stack of the Fourth Starship Flight Test. NASASpaceflight. May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024 – via YouTube.
  150. ^ SpaceX Performs Wet Dress Rehearsal of Fourth Starship Flight Stack. NASASpaceflight. May 20, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2024 – via YouTube.
  151. ^ SpaceX Performs Second Wet Dress Rehearsal of Fourth Starship Flight Stack. NASASpaceflight. May 28, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2024 – via YouTube.
  152. ^ a b c SpaceX Launches Second Starship Flight Test. NASASpaceflight. November 18, 2023. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023 – via YouTube.
  153. ^ a b c d e f g h i j memereview (October 13, 2024). "Flight 5, Super Heavy's Return Home: The Complete History of S30 & B12". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  154. ^ SpaceX Rolls Ship 30 for Testing. NASASpaceflight. May 1, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024 – via YouTube.
  155. ^ Flight 5 Starship Rolled Out and Ready to Test. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. May 4, 2024. Retrieved May 4, 2024 – via YouTube.
  156. ^ OLM Tested Ahead of Starship Flight 4. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 – via YouTube.
  157. ^ SpaceX Static Fires Ship 30 in Preparation for the Fifth Starship Flight. NASASpaceflight. May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024 – via YouTube.
  158. ^ Falcon 9 No Longer Grounded - SLS Core Stage Arrives at KSC. The Flame Trench. NASASpaceflight. July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024 – via YouTube.
  159. ^ a b Weber, Ryan (August 9, 2024). "Flight 5 and 6 Preparations Underway as SpaceX reveals Raptor 3". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  160. ^ SpaceX Stacks Ship 30 on Booster 12 | Starbase. NASASpaceflight. September 21, 2024. Retrieved September 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  161. ^ SpaceX Tests the Stack for the Fifth Flight of Starship - Booster 12 and Ship 30. NASASpaceflight. September 23, 2024. Retrieved September 23, 2024 – via YouTube.
  162. ^ SpaceX Tests the Stack for the Fifth Flight of Starship - Booster 12 and Ship 30. NASASpaceflight. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024 – via YouTube.
  163. ^ FTS Installed Before Launch & Potential Catch. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. October 11, 2024. Retrieved October 11, 2024 – via YouTube.
  164. ^ FTS Installed, and TFR Posted!. Countdown to Launch. NASASpaceflight. October 10, 2024. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via YouTube.
  165. ^ SpaceX Launches Starship Flight 5 (and Catches A Booster). NASASpaceflight. October 13, 2024. Retrieved October 13, 2024 – via YouTube.
  166. ^ "Tiered Environmental Assessment for SpaceX Starship Indian Ocean Landings". FAA. March 13, 2024. p. 101. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  167. ^ Building Starbase MEGA BAY 2 (9 months in 10 minutes). NASASpaceflight. April 11, 2024 – via YouTube.
  168. ^ Bergin, Chris [@nasaspaceflight] (January 4, 2024). "Ship 31 going for a wander at the Production Site and heading into the High Bay" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024 – via Twitter.
  169. ^ Bergin, Chris [@nasaspaceflight] (May 11, 2024). "With Booster 11 (Flight 4) now at the launch site. Ship 31 (Flight 6) is preparing to roll to Masseys" (Tweet). Retrieved May 11, 2024 – via Twitter.
  170. ^ Ship 29 Rolled Out for Full Starship Stack Testing. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024 – via YouTube.
  171. ^ Starship Launch Tower Sections Outfitted for Installation. NASASpaceflight. July 3, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024 – via YouTube.
  172. ^ Priel, Elisar [@enneps] (July 4, 2024). "Compilation time-lapse of the two cryo-proof tests SpaceX teams performed this week on Starship S31" (Tweet). Retrieved July 4, 2024 – via Twitter.
  173. ^ Starbase Prepares for Tropical Storm Beryl. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. July 7, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024 – via YouTube.
  174. ^ Tower Module 6 Stacked, S30 Raptor Swapped. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  175. ^ Starliner Leaves the ISS. The Flame Trench. NASASpaceflight. September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  176. ^ RGV Aerial Photography (September 8, 2024). "Starhopper Moved and Ship Testing Continues!". Starbase Weekly. Episode 132. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via YouTube.
  177. ^ SpaceX Rolls Booster 12 to the Launch Site (& Ship 31 Roll) | Starbase. NASASpaceflight. September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 20, 2024 – via YouTube.
  178. ^ SpaceX Rolls Ship 31 to the Launch Site | Starbase. NASASpaceflight. November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024 – via YouTube.
  179. ^ Weber, Ryan (November 18, 2024). "SpaceX prepare for Starship Flight 6, another Booster catch and a daylight Ship splashdown". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  180. ^ SpaceX Stacks Ship 31 on Booster 13 | Starbase Starship. NASASpaceflight. November 14, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024 – via YouTube.
  181. ^ SpaceX Tests the Stack for the Sixth Flight of Starship - Booster 13 and Ship 31. NASASpaceflight. November 17, 2024. Retrieved November 17, 2024 – via YouTube.
  182. ^ Interstellar Gateway (November 27, 2024). Starship 31 Debris Return! Project Fallen Star 1. Retrieved November 27, 2024 – via YouTube.
  183. ^ "Debris from SpaceX rocket test flight salvaged off Gascoyne". Midwest Times. December 10, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  184. ^ @elonmusk (November 24, 2023). "Four more Starships, the last of V1" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
  185. ^ "Starship's Third Flight Test". SpaceX. Archived from the original on March 6, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  186. ^ @csi_starbase (December 1, 2023). "Ship 33 aft section was scrapped a few days ago. With S28-32 being the last of version 1 we should expect all components of S33+ to be deleted" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023 – via Twitter.
  187. ^ a b RGV Aerial Photography (April 6, 2024). "Booster 11 Back On The Pad!". Starbase Weekly. Episode 112. Retrieved April 7, 2024 – via YouTube.
  188. ^ a b Starship 2.0: New Hardware Spotted. Starbase Update. NASASpaceflight. July 29, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024 – via YouTube.
  189. ^ Beyer, Jack [@thejackbeyer] (July 25, 2024). "The combined nosecone and payload bay for Ship 33" (Tweet). Retrieved July 25, 2024 – via Twitter.
  190. ^ Starship Version 2 Aft Section Rolled Out for Stacking. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. August 25, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024 – via YouTube.
  191. ^ SpaceX's Next-Gen Starship Rolls Out. Starbase Update. NASASpaceflight. October 28, 2024. Retrieved October 29, 2024 – via YouTube.
  192. ^ New Starship Block 2 Cryo Proof Tested. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. October 31, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via YouTube.
  193. ^ a b Ship 33 Test Campaign Begins. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. December 14, 2024. Retrieved December 14, 2024 – via YouTube.
  194. ^ Romera, Alejandro Alacantarilla (December 15, 2024). "While Ship 33 still uses Raptor 2 engines, a lot of the internal transfer lines and manifolds have changed with the new ship design which means extra testing is required". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  195. ^ SpaceX's Starship Prepares for Flight 7: Testing & Expansion at Starbase. Starbase Update. NASASpaceflight. December 16, 2024. Retrieved December 16, 2024 – via YouTube.
  196. ^ It's Christmas Time At Starbase. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. December 18, 2024. Retrieved December 18, 2024 – via YouTube.
  197. ^ Weber, Ryan (December 19, 2024). "FAA gives Flight 7 the Go Ahead, SpaceX to complete final steps ahead of launch". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  198. ^ @StarshipGazer (September 19, 2024). "Starship 34 nose cone rolled into the high bay today" (Tweet). Retrieved September 19, 2024 – via Twitter.
  199. ^ Bergin, Chris [@nasaspaceflight] (September 23, 2024). "Ship 34 (Flight 8), currently two sections tall" (Tweet). Retrieved September 23, 2024 – via Twitter.
  200. ^ @labpadre (October 8, 2024). "The Ship 34 nosecone and payload section" (Tweet). Retrieved October 8, 2024 – via Twitter.
  201. ^ Booster 14 Spin Prime Test Sparks Curiosity at Starbase. Starbase Update. NASASpaceflight. December 9, 2024. Retrieved December 10, 2024 – via YouTube.
  202. ^ a b Header Tank tested to failure. Test Tank preps for transport. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. January 26, 2020. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  203. ^ Starship SN2 Test Tank transported from Launch Site. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. March 16, 2020. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  204. ^ a b Mali, Tariq (June 23, 2020). "Boom! SpaceX pops huge Starship SN7 test tank on purpose in pressure test". Space.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2020. Retrieved January 30, 2021. SpaceX pushed a massive tank for its latest Starship prototype beyond its limits Tuesday (June 23) in an intentionally explosive test in South Texas. The Starship SN7 prototype tank ruptured during a pressure test at SpaceX's Boca Chica proving grounds, the second in just over a week for the spacecraft component.
  205. ^ a b Wall, Mike (September 24, 2020). "SpaceX pops Starship tank on purpose in explosive pressure test". Space.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  206. ^ Starship Header Tank Pressurization Test. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. January 25, 2020. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  207. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN7 History". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  208. ^ LabPadre Space (September 23, 2020). Starship's SN7.1 Pushed To Failure (Time Lapse). Archived from the original on February 23, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  209. ^ @elonmusk (September 26, 2020). "8 bar differential in ullage, 9 bar at base due to propellant head. It's enough. Improvements in work" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  210. ^ Ralph, Eric (January 27, 2021). "SpaceX's thin-skinned Starship 'test tank' passes first trial". Teslarati. Retrieved January 30, 2021. Known as Starship SN7.2, SpaceX's latest 'test tank' is the third to carry the SN7 moniker and appears to have been built primarily to test refinements to the rocket's structural design...the tank's most important task is determining if future Starships (and perhaps Super Heavy boosters) can be built out of thinner, lighter steel rings. Its domes appear to be identical to past ships but writing on the exterior of the tank strongly implied that its three rings were built out of 3mm steel rather than the 4mm sheets that have made up every Starship built in the last 12 months.
  211. ^ Baylor, Michael. "Starship SN7.2 History". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  212. ^ Mary [@BocaChicaGal] (March 15, 2021). "Starship SN7.2 is headed back to the production site at SpaceX Boca Chica" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  213. ^ Starship SN11 Abort Static Fire – SN7.2 Moved to the Production Site. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. March 15, 2021. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  214. ^ a b Jax (December 31, 2022). "Remembering 2022: What Happened to Starship This Year?". Ringwatchers. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  215. ^ RGV Aerial Photography (July 8, 2023). "Launch site discussion". Starbase Weekly. Episode 81. Retrieved July 12, 2023 – via YouTube.
  216. ^ Starbase Isn't Slowing Down! | SpaceX Starbase Update, September 25, 2023, retrieved September 25, 2023
  217. ^ Massive Plumbing Installed for the OLM Deluge Plate. SpaceX Boca Chica. July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  218. ^ a b New Launch Tower is Rising Quickly. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. July 20, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via YouTube.
  219. ^ RGV Aerial Photography (July 25, 2024). "Major Progress and Deliveries for Tower 2!". Starbase Flyover Update. Episode 51. Retrieved July 26, 2024 – via YouTube.
  220. ^ RGV Aerial Photography (July 27, 2024). "Ship 30 Static Fire Test Completed!". Starbase Weekly. Episode 126. Retrieved July 27, 2024 – via YouTube.
  221. ^ Chopsticks Perform Catch Simulation. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via YouTube.
  222. ^ Flight 6 Preps Underway. Starbase Update. NASASpaceflight. October 21, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024 – via YouTube.
  223. ^ a b Aravelo, Evelyn (January 10, 2020). "SpaceX conducted a pressure test on a Starship dome tank at Boca Chica today". Tesmaian. Archived from the original on January 11, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  224. ^ a b Starship Test Tank 2 Destructive Cryo Test. SpaceX Boca Chica. NASASpaceflight. January 29, 2020. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  225. ^ Ralph, Eric (January 12, 2020). "SpaceX just blew up a Starship tank on purpose and Elon Musk says the results are in". Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  226. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (January 27, 2020). "Starship 9m test tank made 7.5 bar at room temp! Small leak at a weld double. Will be repaired & retested at cryo. https://t.co/Bz3lrwkYRU" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  227. ^ Chris Bergin – NSF [@NASASpaceflight] (January 28, 2020). "Farewell Test Tank 2, and we thank you. https://t.co/Je69rLmr28 https://t.co/AUpIb7kv24" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  228. ^ Musk, Elon [@elonmusk] (January 29, 2020). "8.5 bar" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  229. ^ GSE Test Tank Undergoes Cryogenic Proof Testing. SpaceX Boca Chica. August 26, 2021. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  230. ^ GSE-4 Tank Fails During Testing. SpaceX Boca Chica. January 18, 2022. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  231. ^ a b c CSI Starbase (March 22, 2023). Why SpaceX Could Be Forced To Abandon Starship Payloads Until 2024!. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023 – via YouTube.
  232. ^ What about it!? (December 12, 2023). The SpaceX Military Starship Is Real! How's This Going To End?. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023 – via YouTube.