Elon Musk’s SpaceX is steadily moving towards the Flight 12 Starship test (IFT-12) at Starbase, Texas. Last week, the first Starship V3 (Ship 39) was moved to Massey’s Outpost prelaunch testing site.
SpaceX performed the first cryogenic pressure-proof test on Starship 39 on 28th February. Since this is the first new-generation V3 Starship, SpaceX has been extra cautious in conducting prelaunch tests.
As of this writing, Ship 39 (V3 SN1) has gone through a series of three cryo-proof tests. These pressure and ultra-low temperature tests provide vital data for the spaceship’s structural integrity in extreme conditions and propellant loading capacity.
To accommodate the new V3 Starship testing, SpaceX has made a new test structure. This structure supports the upper-stage Starship spacecraft during testing and for erection (see picture above).
The ship transport stand seamlessly integrates with the new Starship V3 test structure. This new steel structure is like a mini launch tower that helps conduct ground testing. This tower also has grab arms that hold Starship during intense testing.
SpaceX performed three consecutive cryogenic pressure-proof tests on Ship 39. However, there has been no static fire test conducted on this Flight 12 Starship V3 prototype.
After three cryo tests, Starship 39 is parked at Massey’s with the ship testing tower structure. Besides testing the ship itself, SpaceX is also validating the launch pad (Pad 2), especially its deluge system (fire mitigation at liftoff). SpaceX also tested the new Chopsticks on the launch tower to prepare them for the Flight 12 launch.
Work on the Gigabay at Starbase, Texas, is also keeping its pace. This next-generation Starship hanger is going to accelerate the production of the spacecraft multi-fold.
It’s a good sign for SpaceX and the Moon and Mars mission progress that Ship 39 successfully passed multiple cryo-proof tests.
The first Super Heavy V3 (Booster 18) was punctured during its cryo tests last year. This incident pushed the Flight 12 timing even further. SpaceX has now assigned Booster 19 for Flight 12, and it has completed the initial round of tests.
In the coming days, if Starship 39 passes the static fire tests, it will be almost flight-ready. The Pad 2 launch mount is also ready for the 12th Starship flight test from Starbase, Texas.
SpaceX might soon announce a date for the Flight 12 launch, as it has already received environmental approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the test. Stay tuned for updates and live coverage as the event happens.
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