Exciting Updates on SpaceX Super Heavy Production

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Boca Chica Updates
   • Engine Swap on Booster 7
   • Upper Dome Installation at the Starship Launch Pad
   • Medical Emergency Helicopter Landing
   • Booster Transport Stand Return
3. Port Canaveral Updates
   • Return of Falcon 9 Booster B1062
   • Transporter Erector Configuration for Falcon Heavy
   • Raptor Maintenance Platform Raise
4. Testing Activities at Boca Chica
   • Cryotest of Starship 24 and Booster 7
   • Relocation of B6.1 Test Tank Ship Aft Section
   • USSF-44 Falcon Heavy Rocket Rollout
5. Starship Assembly and Construction Progress
   • Tank Construction at Boca Chica Launch Pad
   • Tower 3 Construction
   • Roberts Road Starfactory Progress
6. Updates on Other Launch Complexes
   • SpaceX Space Launch Complex 40
   • Blue Origin's Cape Production Facilities
   • ULA's Space Launch Complex 41 and 37
   • Relativity Space's Launch Complex 16
7. Marine Operations at Port Canaveral
   • Cryo Tanks Movement
   • Docking of SpaceX's Marine Assets
8. Highlights
9. Conclusion

SpaceX and Starbase Weekly Updates

In this week's episode of LabPadre's SpaceX and Starbase Weekly Updates, we have a collection of exciting news and developments from Boca Chica and Port Canaveral. Let's dive right in and catch up on the latest activities happening at SpaceX and Starbase.

Boca Chica Updates

Engine Swap on Booster 7

The week at Boca Chica started with an engine swap on Booster 7. The removed engine was swiftly carted away in the early hours of Friday morning. By 4:40 AM, the mobile work platform raised the new replacement Raptor for installation onto the booster. This engine swap marked an important step in the preparation for upcoming launches.

Upper Dome Installation at the Starship Launch Pad

In the early daylight hours at Launch Complex 39A, the upper dome for the inner storage tank at the Starship launch pad was lifted into place. This dome plays a crucial role in the storage and handling of propellant for the upcoming Starship launches. Its successful installation signifies progress in the construction of the launch pad infrastructure.

Medical Emergency Helicopter Landing

A medical emergency helicopter was observed landing at the tracking station in Boca Chica, indicating training and preparedness for emergency medical evacuation. As a small crowd looked on, the helicopter departed from the tracking station about an hour later, flying low along Highway 4 towards Brownsville.

Booster Transport Stand Return

With Booster 8 on standby and Booster 7 on the pad, a booster transport stand at the launch pad was brought back to the build site. This stand serves as a vital tool in the transportation and handling of boosters during launch preparations. Its return suggests ongoing activities and readiness for upcoming launches.

Port Canaveral Updates

Return of Falcon 9 Booster B1062

Bob, one of SpaceX's support ships, returned to Port Canaveral with one fairing half after the successful launch of Starlink 4-36. However, the Second fairing half was apparently unable to be recovered. The return of the booster is a positive sign, indicating SpaceX's continued efforts in recovering and reusing their Falcon 9 boosters.

Transporter Erector Configuration for Falcon Heavy

The transporter erector, which has been reconfigured for Falcon Heavy, was lowered in preparation for the USSF-44 mission for the United States Space Force. This strategic adjustment enables SpaceX to accommodate the unique requirements of Falcon Heavy launches, showcasing their commitment to meeting the diverse needs of their customers.

Raptor Maintenance Platform Raise

Falcon 9 booster B1062 was finally lifted off a shortfall of gravitas and onto the docks. This achievement highlights the precise handling and careful procedures involved in safely unloading and securing booster stages after a successful mission. It also demonstrates SpaceX's dedication to maintaining and improving their fleet of reusable rockets.

Testing Activities at Boca Chica

Cryotest of Starship 24 and Booster 7

The eagerly awaited cryogenic test of Starship 24 and Booster 7 commenced during this week. Large vents in the ground systems and the launch tower indicated the start of the testing activities. The liquid oxygen tanks in both the booster and the ship were partially filled and brought to a stop. After sitting for about an hour, testing was concluded, and both Booster 7 and Ship 24 were detanked.

Relocation of B6.1 Test Tank Ship Aft Section

The B6.1 test tank ship aft section was relocated from the Sanchez site towards Mid Bay and Tent 1. This relocation suggests progress in the testing and development of the B6.1 test tank ship, indicating that SpaceX is actively working on advancing their technology and capabilities.

USSF-44 Falcon Heavy Rocket Rollout

SpaceFlight Now captured the moment when SpaceX rolled out the USSF-44 Falcon Heavy rocket to the pad. Notably, the payload section was missing during this rollout, as SpaceX plans to roll back after the static fire for payload integration. This rollout showcases the meticulous planning and preparation involved in readying the Falcon Heavy for its upcoming mission.

Starship Assembly and Construction Progress

Tank Construction at Boca Chica Launch Pad

Significant progress was made in the construction of the vertical tank at the Boca Chica launch pad. The inner dome for the new vertical tank was added, leaving just the outer dome left to complete the tank's construction. Additionally, three out of the six horizontal tanks at the liquid oxygen part of the fuel farm were removed for unknown reasons, hinting at potential upgrades or replacements.

Tower 3 Construction

Tower 3 construction at Boca Chica is well underway. The first two modules of the tower are structurally complete, while the third module has a significant portion of its steel beams and columns installed. Crews are actively working on preparing the fourth module for assembly, reflecting the constant progress in expanding SpaceX's infrastructure.

Roberts Road Starfactory Progress

The Roberts Road starfactory continues to make impressive progress. The lower portion of the building, including the steel, cladding, and roof, is reaching completion. Taller steel structures are now being erected to accommodate the final portion of the starfactory, where nosecone construction will take place. Foundation work is also nearing completion, suggesting that construction will soon be in full swing in this area.

Updates on Other Launch Complexes

SpaceX Space Launch Complex 40

Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral appeared quiet this week, as the busy launch pad was between missions, with the next launch scheduled for the following week. SpaceX's efforts in ensuring a smooth flow of launches from this complex indicate their commitment to efficient and Timely mission operations.

Blue Origin's Cape Production Facilities

Blue Origin's Cape production facilities have seen a flurry of construction activities. Foundation work has begun on both the new vertical assembly and Reef Pathfinder buildings, indicating the expansion of Blue Origin's capabilities in the area. Additional construction work is ongoing, including the expansion of the nearby warehouse building and the construction of a new tent and structure for cleaning and testing.

ULA's Space Launch Complex 41 and 37

ULA's Space Launch Complex 41 remains quiet, awaiting its next Atlas V launch. Meanwhile, Space Launch Complex 37 has not seen a launch in almost two years and is not expected to host another until spring 2023 at the earliest. These launch complexes highlight the diversity of launch providers operating from the area and their unique launch schedules.

Relativity Space's Launch Complex 16

Relativity Space's Launch Complex 16 is eagerly awaiting the return of their rocket. The first stage was moved into the hangar before last month's hurricane, and it is expected to return to the pad soon for its testing campaign and eventual launch. These developments showcase the determination of emerging rocket companies to establish a foothold in the competitive launch market.

Marine Operations at Port Canaveral

Cryo Tanks Movement

Three cryo tanks that were removed from Launch Complex 39A were spotted still in the area. These tanks were loaded onto a barge that was then moved out of the turning basin and docked at the Beyel Brothers Merritt Island Marine Facility. This movement suggests ongoing operations and coordination between SpaceX and their marine assets.

Docking of SpaceX's Marine Assets

In a rare occurrence, all of SpaceX's marine assets were docked at Port Canaveral during this flyover. Support ships Bob and Doug were docked at one of the cruise ship terminals, while "A Shortfall of Gravitas," the newest drone ship, was docked next to the Dragon recovery vessel Shannon. This arrangement showcases the versatility of SpaceX's fleet and their ability to handle multiple operations simultaneously.

Highlights

• Boca Chica saw significant progress in engine swaps, dome installations, and cryogenic testing.
• Port Canaveral witnessed the return and docking of Falcon 9 boosters and preparations for Falcon Heavy.
• Starship assembly and construction advanced with tank additions, tower construction, and starfactory progress.
• Other launch complexes, including SLC-40, Blue Origin's Cape facilities, ULA's SLC-41 and SLC-37, and Relativity Space's LC-16, displayed ongoing activities and preparations for future launches.
• Marine operations at Port Canaveral involved the movement of cryo tanks and the docking of SpaceX's marine assets.

Conclusion

This week's updates showcase the continuous progress and activities happening at SpaceX and Starbase. From engine swaps to cryotesting, from booster returns to construction advancements, the aerospace industry remains dynamic and full of exciting developments. As SpaceX and other companies strive to push the boundaries of space exploration and technology, we can expect even more thrilling updates in the weeks and months ahead.

FAQ:

Q: What were the highlights of this week's SpaceX and Starbase updates? A: Some highlights of this week's updates include significant progress in Boca Chica with engine swaps, dome installations, and cryogenic testing. At Port Canaveral, the return and docking of Falcon 9 boosters and preparations for Falcon Heavy stood out. Starship assembly and construction also advanced, and other launch complexes showcased ongoing activities.