Starship Flight 12 might have solely lately concluded, however SpaceX’s Starbase groups are already deep into preparations for the following built-in flight check.
The most recent milestone entails the rollout of Booster 20 (B20), the Tremendous Heavy booster assigned to Flight 13, because it moved from Megabay 1 to Massey’s check web site and has begun cryogenic proof testing marketing campaign.
The booster was lifted onto the cryogenic check stand and transported through SPMTs to the check space, the place it joined present check articles.
Whereas the transfer itself was largely routine, it was not with out minor drama: one of many SPMTs skilled energy pack points en route, prompting groups to swap out items on each transporters earlier than finishing the journey.
Starship Booster 20 has made it to Masseys after rolling out from the manufacturing web site in a single day, for its cryo testing marketing campaign, forward of Flight 13.
Apparently the roll took for much longer then regular, because the SPMTs broke down a couple of occasions, forcing a prolonged cease, and the booster… pic.twitter.com/LAX8bebBhJ— Elisar Priel (@ENNEPS) June 5, 2026
Take a look at Articles Energetic at Massey’s
B20 just isn’t the one {hardware} at Massey’s. The ahead part check article B18.3, which is evaluating Block 3 {hardware}, together with the built-in hot-staging ring and up to date grid fin slots, performed its twentieth check.
In the meantime, the devoted touchdown tank check article accomplished simply its second check, underscoring the stepped strategy SpaceX is taking to validate new Block 3 options.
Cryogenic testing on B20 will give attention to verifying the structural integrity of the liquid oxygen and methane tanks below excessive chilly temperatures, whereas additionally checking the efficiency of inside programs, together with COPVs, piping, valves, and sensors.
This section is important for making certain the booster can safely deal with propellant masses earlier than any engine firings.
B20 rolled out with out a number of key parts, reminiscent of grid fins, the liquid oxygen quick-disconnect cowl, and all 33 Raptor engines have been absent. That is customary for cryo campaigns, because the exams don’t require engine operation or aerodynamic surfaces.
Booster 20 comes out of Mega Bay 1 and heads to Massey's for its preliminary spherical of cryo exams. Flight 13 preparations are underway!@NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com/ejwKIJRyB7
— Ceaser G (@CeaserG33) June 5, 2026
SpaceX is predicted to conduct between two and 4 cryogenic exams on B20, with 4 representing the higher finish of the vary seen on latest boosters like B19. Historic norms hovered round two exams, however this system continues to refine its strategy with every new automobile.
Path to Static Hearth
As soon as cryogenic testing concludes, B20 will return to the manufacturing web site for information evaluate. Any anomalies will likely be addressed earlier than the automobile transitions into static fireplace preparation. At that stage, crews will set up the Raptor engines and grid fins.
The Block 3 grid fins are significantly vital, as they incorporate the carry and catch factors that can allow the Mechazilla tower arms to carry and in the end catch the booster, though Flight 13 is predicted to be a water splashdown.
Parallel work is underway on what’s the higher stage, the Ship.
Ship 40 (S40) stays inside Megabay 2, the place it has spent an prolonged interval following the completion of its personal cryogenic testing in early Might.
In latest days, technicians have begun rolling within the three Raptor 3 sea-level engines and three Raptor vacuum engines for set up. The extended keep within the bay might mirror a deliberate pause to include classes from Flight 12 earlier than finalizing the automobile configuration.
Streamlined Testing for Ship 40
Ship 40 is predicted to have a noticeably shorter engine check marketing campaign than its predecessor, Ship 39. As the primary ship to fly with Raptor 3 engines, Ship 39 underwent in depth floor testing: a spin prime, further diagnostic exams, a six-engine static fireplace, a moist gown rehearsal, and a ultimate igniter check.
A lot of that rigor was pushed by the introduction of the brand new engine variant.
With real-world flight information now obtainable from Flight 12, SpaceX can possible streamline S40’s marketing campaign. A spin prime or related low-risk check remains to be possible forward of the complete six-engine static fireplace. One open query is whether or not S40 will carry out a devoted single-engine static fireplace.
Such exams have been routine on Block 2 ships (S33–S38) to assist validate in-space relight functionality.
Ship 39 skipped the check, but an in-space relight remained a mission goal—in the end unachieved resulting from an engine-out occasion throughout ascent. Whether or not Flight 13 planners will reintroduce the bottom check stays to be seen.
Trying Forward to Flight 13
As soon as each B20 and S40 full their respective check campaigns and return to the manufacturing bays, groups will conduct ultimate pre-flight checkouts, load flight software program, and put together the built-in stack.
A moist gown rehearsal on the orbital launch pad is a definite chance previous to launch, persevering with the methodical strategy that has characterised latest flights.
The timeline stays fluid, as is typical in Starship’s fast growth cycle, however the concurrent progress on each autos suggests Flight 13 may observe Flight 12 extra carefully than earlier intervals, with launch presently projected as between July and August.
Additionally, the much-awaited double rollout of booster and ship down Freeway 4 stays a hopeful prospect.
Lead Picture: Ceaser G for NSF.
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