Booster 4 Installed on the Orbital Launch Pad

Credit: NASASpaceflight

SpaceX is now preparing for the next round of testing at Starbase. After Ship 20's series of tests, that consisted of a cryo test and multiple pre-burner and static fire tests, its flaps were opened. As far as we know, Ship 20 is ready for flight in January or February 2022. Last week, SpaceX connected the load spreader of their LR1000 crane to Booster 4 for a test before it was disconnected on Sunday. Booster 4 was moved to the Orbital Launch Site, which is now complete with 7 fuel tanks, one water tank, a launch tower with QD arms and Mechazilla catch arms, and the lauch pad with the booster QD arm. On Monday, Booster 4 was lifted onto the Orbital Launch Pad. The Super Heavy QD (Quick Disconnet) arm was connected to it on Tuesday. Per road closures, testing may start on Thursday. This will likely be a cryogenic pressure test. After this test, Booster 4 will go through a static fire campaign which will likely consist of multiple static fires with increasing engines. Elon Musk stated in his "Time Person of the Year" interview that data will be collected on how engines react when fired together. He saidd “if one engine catches fire, we want to ensure that fire does not spread through the entire volume.” After this ground testing is concluded, launch is targeted for January or February 2022.

Meanwhile, the production site has been busy, Booster 5 is completed and is now with the retired SN15 and SN16. It is unknown what will happen to it. The Ship 22 tank section is being processed in Mid Bay and thermal protection work has been done on its nosecone. Booster 6 is now expected to be a test tank and is being processed in High Bay. It is unknown what will it be used for. Also, SpaceX has progressed far in "Wide Bay", a new High Bay to increase Starship's already rapid production cadence to enable daily launches within the next few years. You can watch the progress at NASASpaceflight's "Starbase Live".