Weekly Space Report: Extensive StarShip and Booster Testing

Highlights:

  • Pretty pictures…

  • Booster to OLM for Raptor testing. Full duration test fire completed.

  • Booster returned to build site for final outfitting.

  • Ship to Massey’s for Raptor testing. Extra-long test fire completed, testing upgrades, and replicating flight conditions.

  • Ship returned to build site for final outfitting.

  • Pad West progress. More concrete in the new flame trench. More pipe in adjacent trench. Winch wire fully installed.

  • Pad West Chopsticks hydraulic actuators installed.

  • More tankage installed.

  • Old Ship 32 (block 1) scrapped.

  • Parts for new Booster 17 appeared.

  • Parts for new Ship 36 appeared.

  • Activity with test article tank 16

  • Judge signs off on City of Starbase application. Onward to election day to confirm.

  • Blue Ghost flight progress report. Was able to skip one trajectory correction. Now in high elliptical lunar orbit.

  • Intuitive Machines progress report.

  • NASA attempting to revive VIPER lunar rover with private involvement.

  • Falcon 9: Starlink 12-9, Starlink 11-10, Starlink 12-18, Starlink 12-8.

  • Starlink Direct-to-cell beta program open to the public now, via T-Mobile

  • Boom Supersonic follow-up test flight #13, final planned flight. Explanation of “boomless” technology.

  • Rocket Lab Electron “IoT 4 U and Me”

  • Rocket Lab preparations for first Neutron flight, expected in 2025.

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