Hey everyone! Welcome back and thanks for tuning in to episode 17 of LabPadre's SpaceX
and Starbase weekly updates. We got a short one for you this week so let's dig in!
The 24th started with testing preparations for b7.1
as crews took a look and worked inside the tank.
Booster 7's methane tank valves were observed
venting pressurized gas in a tank pressurization test on the orbital launch mount.
Over at the build site the starship squid was brought into the high bay and
attached to the bridge crane.
Vacuum raptors were moved into the high bay
as well the following day to be attached to ship 24.
On the 27th booster 7 began its first scale cryo testing
since the last visit to the launch mount cryogens
flowed through the plumbing in the launch mount
with no observable vehicle filling taking place.
After spending several months on display alongside
other starships booster 5 finally made its way
to the build site affording some interesting close-ups
at the booster's engine plumbing.
Meanwhile at the launch site booster 7's
tanks continued to undergo gas-filled pressure testing
with additional tank venting events observed
While booster 7 was being tested some venting
was also seen from the plumbing near the orbital launch mount.
Coordinating things at the production
site can be tricky and this is readily seen in the coordinated relocation
of several cranes from SpaceX and their contractors.
After being transported to the bays crews
removed one of the grid fins from booster 5.
Once the fin was removed booster 5 headed into the
mega bay for disassembly and scrapping.
As the 28th began ship 24 was placed on the high bay
ship stand for installation of raptor vacuum engines.
Frost was later seen forming on the b 7.1 tank
as the can crusher was put to work applying simulating
loads to the test article.
As SpaceX inches closer to the first orbital flight test
routine deliveries of methane keep a steady pace
at the orbital fuel farm.
The following day crews got to work testing
with booster 7 and stage zero with venting coming from both
the mount vehicle and the orbital launch platform.
The following morning the new starlink v2 loader was seen
making its way towards high bay. This hardware is used
to load the starlink satellites into starship ahead of a launch.
Booster 5 began its disassembly on Thursday as its methane tank was cut and removed.
As Jjune came to an end a farewell was made to
booster 4 as it rolled its way down highway 4 one last time.
This important test article aided the further verification
of SpaceX's ground systems and vehicle hardware.
Just as the day before testing of booster 7 and stage zero
continued with venting seen coming from the orbital fuel
farm as well as the booster quick disconnect.
Later that day SpaceX's robotic dog Zeus was once again
seen making its way across the launch complex.
That afternoon the starlink loader was seen
being raised at high bay next to ship 24 for a possible alignment test
ahead of operational testing.
And finally for this week we got to bring you
the launch of SES-22 a geosynchronous transfer orbit aboard
Falcon 9 from the space launch complex 40
at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
[Super loud rocket noise and vibrations]
And there you have it! Another Starbase weekly update
brought to you by LabPadre.
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We'll see you next week and thanks for watching...
LabPadre out!