Preparing pads for SpaceXs future Starship cadence

Date:
Thu, 20 Nov 2025 04:47:38 +0000

Description:
As SpaceX ramps up production and testing of its Starship vehicles and engines, significant advancements The post Preparing pads for SpaceXs future Starship cadence appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com .

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As SpaceX ramps up production and testing of its Starship vehicles and engines, significant advancements are unfolding across key launch infrastructure, ranging from the readiness of Pad 2 at Starbase and 39A at
KSC to the demolition of parts of Pad 1 ahead of its alignment with SpaceXs standardized launch site for the future.



From intensified testing at Starbases Pad 2 to construction milestones on Floridas Space Coast, the company is laying the groundwork for future launches, even as demolition efforts reshape older infrastructure.

The first new launch site to host the Block 3 Starship will be Starbases Pad
2 in South Texas, where teams have been conducting extensive tests on the methane side of the tank farm and purging operations on the service structure connected to the launch mount. See Also SpaceX Starship Program L2 SpaceX Section NSF Store Click here to Join L2

Over the past week, SpaceX installed the middle hood sections for the two booster quick disconnects, fully enclosing the lines for propellant and other fluids. While major welding has yet to occur, sources suggest this could be a temporary setup to facilitate upcoming tests.

The installation paves the way for a comprehensive evaluation of the water deluge system, including the water-cooled launch mount deck, with some tests already completed.

Recent purging of the top deck has cleared potential obstructions, and additional testing of the flame bucket and ridge cap in the flame trench indicates preparations for coordinated operations during launches.

With the service structure now largely clad, only the removal of scaffolding from the mounts top deck remains before full-scale testing can commence.

In parallel, the clamp load test rigaffectionately dubbed the ibeproofin riginstalled last week continued to undergo evaluations. "ibeproofing"
heading the other way after being part of Pad 2 test. https://t.co/e3xbqPnwZ5 https://t.co/Y9tXZx8kO6 pic.twitter.com/5kFFbFy4BT

NSF NASASpaceflight.com (@NASASpaceflight) November 19, 2025



Designed to assess loads on the hold-down clamps, the rig has been lifted, rotated, and repositioned multiple times using the SpaceX LR 11000 crane to test different clamp sets. Its removal on Tuesday could signal the arrival of Booster 18 for further testing.

Preparations on Pad 2s tower are also accelerating, with recent installations of wiring and hydraulic lines leading up to the Ship quick disconnect (SQD) arm level. A new bracket in the area hints at design refinements for the arm, which is still under assembly at the Sanchez lot.

Since the last update, the arm has gained additional pipework and connections to swivel joints linking it to the towers ground support equipment, and was then rolled out down Highway 4 Tuesday night. Notably, despite Starship Version 3s increased length, the QD arm on Pad 2 will be mounted lower than its counterpart on Pad 1.

This adjustment accounts for the boosters modest one-meter growth while accommodating the new mount and flame trench design, which positions the booster several meters lower overall. Future versions with longer booster stretches will benefit from Tower 2s pre-built connections at higher levels.

The coming days could see a flurry of activity at Pad 2, including water deluge tests, rig removal, Booster 18 rollout, and QD arm installationpotentially all unfolding in rapid succession, true to SpaceXs fast-paced ethos.

The demolition of Pad 1 continues apace as SpaceX clears the way for
upgrades. The launch mount has been stripped to its core legs and attached hardware, with auxiliary elements like steel covers, staircases, and pipes being forcibly removed.

The legs are being dismantled through precise cutting or heavy machinery, similar to methods used at LC-39As older Starship pad. Over half of the legs have since been toppled at the time of print. By months end, the site may stand empty, marking a symbolic reset for the program. Two legs to go for Pad 1. https://t.co/HSumkyMfYU pic.twitter.com/k2X9IKQ3bo

NSF NASASpaceflight.com (@NASASpaceflight) November 20, 2025



Shifting to Floridas Space Coast, progress at Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) includes deliveries of pipes and hardware, along with the installation of the lower hood for the liquid oxygen booster quick disconnect on the new launch mount.

Paperwork indicates tanks may arrive at Port Canaveral this week, possibly destined for the site. At the nearby Giga Bay construction area, beams and columns for the western section are advancing, while assembly of two tower cranes for the eastern half is underway. The northeast crane, complete with its cab, appears poised for activation soon.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37)slated for two Starship padsremains pending.

Originally targeted for completion in autumn 2025, delays from the recent government shutdown pushed timelines back. With the shutdown resolved until January 31, 2026, officials hope to finalize paperwork and initiate
foundation work. Lead image: Ceaser G for NSF.



The post Preparing pads for SpaceXs future Starship cadence appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com .



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Link to news story: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/11/preparing-pads-spacexs-starship-cadenc e/


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