Weekly Space Report: TF9 on May 20?

Highlights:

  • Ship 35 single engine replacement after test fire mishap. No report of mishap cause.

  • Official notices showing up for TF9, current windows starting May 20.

  • Progress on Production site preparations for Gigabay.

  • Fancy test article spotted with possible ship-to-ship docking points.

  • Ship 38 parts heading to assembly.

  • New booster test tank 17, presumably for mechanical testing.

  • Pad B’s launch mount rolled out to the new launch tower. Heavy load!

  • Water deluge finish plumbing being installed.

  • Starbase, TX incorporation approved by voters.

  • New housing going up there.

  • Environment impact report updated to 25 Starship launches per year. With FAA approval.

  • More (!!) launch site plans exposed in that report.

  • Hot stage ring will no longer be discarded by 2026.

  • Rocket Lab releases video and report of Neutron rocket progress.

  • NASA Psyche mission thruster problem report. Next stop is a gravity assist at Mars.

  • Falcon 9: Starlink 6-84 (29!), Starlink 6-93, Starlink 15-3 (4k livestream!), Starlink 6-91

  • NASA Budget summary… -25%

  • Retire SLS and Orion and Lunar gateway after Artemis III.

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