Hello, we are TheSpaceXFans and welcome to TheSpaceXShow, the place where you can stay
up to date with everything SpaceX.
Today’s episode will start with some updates on SpaceX including the ANASIS-II launch plus
the return of Bob and Doug.
Then like always, we have some Boca Chica updates, some unfortunate Starship Mk2 news,
as well as the latest on Texas Starships.
Let’s head straight in and get up to date…
Beginning this episode is an article from ispreview.co.uk which talks about the Starlink
public beta.
Apparently somebody did some digging on the Starlink website and found information they
shouldn’t have.
This information was then leaked to give previously unknown info about the beta program.
Next, we have the still delayed ANASIS-II launch.
As you can see on TheSpaceXFans website, it’s now expected to light its engines tomorrow,
Monday July 20th at 9pm UTC or 5pm EDT.
For the final SpaceX info, we have some news from Jim Bridenstine on the return of Bob
& Doug.
Bridenstine tweeted “We're targeting an Aug. 1 departure of SpaceX's Dragon Endeavour
spacecraft from the International Space Station to bring Bob & Doug home after their historic
LaunchAmerica mission.
Splashdown is targeted for Aug. 2.
Weather will drive the actual date.”
So looks like these two will soon return from a very historic flight.
Now we can move over to Boca Chica and check out what’s been happening over there.
Firstly we have this pile of scrap that is being called Scraptown, with all sorts of
things from old Starship pieces to single rings and even rolls of steel.
They’ve recently been working on breaking these bits up to be scrapped properly.
Next up, we have work continuing to progress over by the Super Heavy launch pad.
Currently they’re still working on the foundations for the launch pad, but it’s progressing
quite well as you will see now.
Here we have a great view and you can see what is actually going on over there.
Just quickly, I want to add a little promo for RGV Aerial Photography who captured this
great image.
They’re looking to do weekly flyovers but it’s very expensive to hire the Cessna and
pilot needed for the trips.
If you can, please go and support their Patreon via the link in the description.
Based on what we can see here though, this is going to be one very beefy launch mount
I think.
Also on the talk of launch mounts, here we have a view of the latest one to be spotted.
Not sure just yet but it’s being assumed it’s either the old one being rebuilt or
it’s a new launch mount.
Either way, it’s still just currently sitting outside.
Over in the production area of the facility, we recently saw workers moving dirt and preparing
for an expansion.
You can see here that they’re continuing to do groundwork.
Whilst I was thinking that they might be extending the facility for more buildings, new information
possibly says otherwise.
Here you can see another amazing aerial view from Mauricio at RGV Aerial Photography.
He posted this on Twitter and asked what they could potentially be working towards with
this groundwork.
Just to the right of the work they’re doing, you can see a little house I believe used
to belong to BocaChicaMaria.
Maria Pointer, or BocaChicaMaria responded to RGV on Twitter with some interesting info.
She said “There isn't electrical or ground prep for infrastructure.
I'm guessing one huge parking lot with the house being included eventually as well as
the corner lot next door on SanMartin Blvd.
We heard 4 years ago a tank farm was going in behind us from land owner that wouldn't
sell.”
Near to where this new area is being cleared, there is the newest fabrication building with
something interesting inside.
It’s being called the Crew Office Arm and is a shipping container styled to look like
the Crew Access Arm.
Also inside this building, there was another new item that was spotted being moved about.
Here we have a little stand to roll sections around the yard and I may be wrong but looks
to me like that’s what the recent metal components were for.
Also over at the construction area, we have the latest work on the high bay which you
can see has progressed.
Right now, it looks like they’ve been working to add the metal platform-like components
to the outside.
Finally for the Boca Chica updates, you can see we have some wooden crates sitting by
the fabrication tents.
Apparently these are fragile as they contain critical flight hardware.
Quickly before we look at Boca Chica Starship updates, we have some news from Florida and
the Starship over there.
For those who don’t know, whilst SpaceX were constructing Mk1 in Texas, a parallel
build was happening in Florida with Mk2.
In this fantastic shot by Julia Bergeron, you can see that second Starship that was
being constructed some months ago.
However, after months of sitting outside near the main rocket action in Cape Canaveral,
we have to say goodbye.
Mk2 as you can see is currently in the process of being deconstructed with the upper dome
and rings already removed.
Mk2 likely served as a great pathfinder build, but beyond that has served no other purpose
than a reminder of the rapidly evolving Starship plans.
Back over in Texas, SpaceX have reportedly filed a request with the FCC for Starship
flights.
This business insider article says that the company is asking for permission with Starship
flights planned up to 12 and half miles within the next 7 months.
The company has recently received licenses for Starship flights from the FAA but they
also need permission from the FCC.
Now, let’s take a quick look at some SN5 with testing dates, quick view of SN6 and
future Starship pieces.
Firstly, SN5 is still sitting there being worked on with testing still to happen.
Most recently, engineers were spotted working on some bits on top of the prototype.
They also seem to have been doing some welding work with the mass simulator on top.
Preparations must be coming near to an end soon.
We were expecting testing many times in many of my recent videos, to which each date was
delayed again and again.
They’ve been delayed even further, when I checked yesterday, there was a closure scheduled
for today July 19th.
As you can see through, this testing date has since been cancelled with backup dates
of tomorrow July 20th and Tuesday July 21st.
As you all know, whilst SN5 awaits its rounds of testing, SN6 is hanging out in the midbay.
Engineers, as you can see, were seen working on the tank section some more.
Finally, for the rest of the video, let’s see what new Starship bits have been worked
on and spotted.
Firstly, we have a view of the recently stacked fairing section with one of the new nose cones
which have thrusters.
In this great shot, you can see the new nose cones to the right and the old Mk1 nose cone
to the left.
Here is a closer view of the old and new fairing section in a more side by side comparison.
You can really see the quality differences in terms of the builds, will be exciting to
see a full Starship with the new fairing section.
I’m going to just throw this shot into the mix because I think it’s cool with 4 different
nose cones in one shot.
We recently saw SpaceXers moving the old Mk1 fins that were for months sitting by the side
of the road.
You can see that these fins have been moved yet again and also work has been done on them.
Nothing too exciting but they’ve had a nice clean.
Elsewhere, in the construction yard, we have some new rings that have been spotted sitting
outside.
Here you can see a new 3 ring stack sitting outside along with a small tapered section
of a nose cone I believe has been there for a bit.
Also, we have another view of the new 3 ring stack and tapered section along with another
stack of rings.
So, recently moved outside were 2 ring stacks comprised of 3 rings each.
As always, there’s further ring action spotted with this single ring being moved into one
of the onion tents.
Also spotted outside, you can see here a very clean looking stack of 3 rings.
Not sure if this is another angle of one of the ring stacks we just saw but look at the
quality of this stack.
Also just in the bottom right of the left tent, you can see more stainless steel rings
being worked on.
On top of these rings stacks that have been seen sitting outside, a bulkhead and ring
stack was spotted inside.
Whilst it’s uncertain what these will be for it’s likely the second SN7 tank or SN8.
As well, even more ring stacks were spotted sitting inside tents.
Production seems to really be picking up at the moment.
Just to add some more content, because as I’m making this video, more footage is coming
to light of even more production work.
You can see here that SpaceX have also now moved a couple of thrust section stacks outside
for further work.
As always, a massive thank you goes to Mary, otherwise known as BocaChicaGal who spends
hours outside filming.
Also a thank you to Julia Bergeron, Jack Beyer and the rest of the NASASpaceFlight team for
all their incredible work too.
Without this team of awesome people, these detailed updates would not be possible so
thanks to all of you.
Also, I want to say thanks to Mauricio at RGV Aerial Photography for his effort getting
the awesome aerial views.
That’s it for this episode of TheSpaceXShow, I hope you enjoyed the video, if you did,
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Thanks for watching and have a great day!