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SpaceX has recently conducted a successful Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) for Ship 25 and Booster 9, along with other systems tests, in preparation for an upcoming test flight. The full stack was loaded with Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) and Liquid Oxygen (LOX) on a rare Sunday test, allowing for the testing of various subsystems. These included the Ship engine chill down, grid fins, Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, and Booster engine purge. Ground systems such as the FireX system and the water deluge were also examined.

During the test, SpaceX also evaluated the performance of the newly installed water deluge, which was noticeably bigger and slightly longer in duration. The full WDR was carried out by fully loading the stack with nearly 5,000 tons of LOX and Liquid Methane (LCH4) and running through the launch countdown process until the activation of the FireX. Following this, SpaceX proceeded with the detanking process and conducted another test of the water deluge.

With the full stack testing completed, SpaceX is now awaiting regulatory approval from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the final sign-off from the Federal Aviation Administration. Once approved, the next steps will involve the arming of the Flight Termination System (FTS) and the upcoming test flight of Ship 25 and Booster 9.

In the meantime, SpaceX has also made progress in expanding and improving its production site for future vehicle cadence. At the Ground Service Equipment (GSE) building in Sanchez, insulation has been added under the outer steel wall to regulate internal temperature. This improvement will facilitate more accurate welds on equipment by the GSE team. Furthermore, a trench has been dug along the eastern border of Sanchez to lay electrical cables for the substation.

One notable change is the dismantling of the Propellant Production plant at Sanchez, with large equipment and piping being removed. It is unclear whether this is a temporary measure or a permanent decision by SpaceX.

At the Production Site, work on the new Starfactory is ongoing, with the roof for the taller sections nearing completion. The footings for the next phase, located where Tents 1, 2, and Midbay were, are set to be poured soon. Structures such as elevator shafts and truss work for the roof are also being installed.

Over at the Boca Chica Village, the solar farm has been entirely removed as the production site now relies on local power. Foundations have also been started for new houses intended for SpaceX workers.

At Masseys, Booster 11 has undergone two cryogenic proof tests. Additionally, test tanks, including the new Elliptical Dome (Edome) test tank, have been set up for various evaluations. At the launch site, a new parking lot has been constructed, and pipe stands for new tanks are being built.

As SpaceX continues to navigate the complexities of building and maintaining its spacecraft, Starbase will continue to undergo changes and improvements.

Sources:
– “SpaceX Completes Wet Dress Rehearsal for Ship 25 and Booster 9” – NASASpaceflight.com
– “Starship Updates – SpaceX Continues Expansion and Improvement” – NASASpaceflight.com

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