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Starship Development Thread March 2026 (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works to c/spacex@sh.itjust.works
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SpaceX Starship page

FAQ

  1. When next launch? (Flight 12) NET 2026-03-08. (Elon)
  2. When previous launch? (Flight 11) Starship flight 11 launched on 2025-10-13 at 23:23 UTC.
  3. What was the result? All mission objectives fulfilled. Ship performs successful landing burn and splashdown, despite intentional missing tiles on heatshield. Second successful deployment of Starlink simulators. Booster successfully tested a 13-5-3 engine landing profile.

Previous Flights

Click to expand

  • Flight 1: S24 and B7. First full stack launch, RUD before stage separation.
  • Flight 2: S25 and B9. Successful stage separation, booster RUD during boostback burn, ship RUD shortly prior to scheduled SECO.
  • Flight 3: S28 and B10. Booster performs a successful boostback burn, but experiences RUD during landing burn. Ship makes it past SECO, but loses attitude control and is destroyed on reentry.
  • Flight 4: S29 and B11. First successful booster water landing. Ship survives reentry despite burn-through on forward flap, and performs a successful water landing.
  • Flight 5: S30 and B12. First booster catch with chopsticks. Ship performs successful water landing.
  • Flight 6: S31 and B13. Booster offshore divert due to damage to catch tower during launch. Ship performs successful water landing.
  • Flight 7: S33 and B14-1. First V2 Ship launch. Harmonic oscillation on ship causes RUD before SECO. Booster is caught by chopsticks.
  • Flight 8: S34 and B15-1. Engine failure on ship causes RUD before SECO. Booster is caught by chopsticks.
  • Flight 9: S35 and B14-2. First booster reflight. Ship makes it past SECO, but loses attitude control and is destroyed on reentry. Booster RUD upon landing burn startup prior to planned splashdown.
  • Flight 10: S37 and B16. All mission objectives fulfilled. First V2 ship to make it through reentry to landing burn and splashdown. First successful deployment of Starlink simulators. Booster successfully tested landing without one centre engine, using an engine on the middle ring to compensate.
  • Flight 11: S38 and B15-2. All mission objectives fulfilled. Ship performs successful landing burn and splashdown, despite intentional missing tiles on heatshield. Second successful deployment of Starlink simulators. Booster successfully tested a 13-5-3 engine landing profile.

Quick Links

Nerdle Cam | Lab Cam | Sapphire Cam | Sentinel Cam | Rover Cam | Rover 2.0 Cam | Rocket Ranch Cam | Plex Cam | NSF Starbase Live

Starship Dev February | Starship Dev January | Starship Dev December | Starship Dev November | Starship Dev October | Starship Dev September

Official SpaceX Starship Update Video (2024-04-06)

Road closures, road delays, and beach closures

Vehicle Status

*As of 2026-03-02

Ship Location Status Comment
S39 (Ship v3 SN1) Massey's Fully stacked, remaining work ongoing August 16th: Stacking started. November 15th: Aft section AX:4 moved into MB2 and stacked with the rest of S39 - this completes the stacking part of the ship construction. January 19th: First aft flap installed. January 20th: Second aft flap installed. February 26th: Rolled out to Massey's on the old, repaired and upgraded Static Fire Test Stand (but only for a basic cryo test and other work, thrust puck testing will presumably come later on the new cryo stand). February 28th: Ambient Pressure Test and, later in the day, a Cryo Test.
S40 Mega Bay 2 Stacking November 12th: Nosecone stacked onto Payload Bay. January 31st: Pez Dispenser (on its stand) moved into MB2. February 1st: Nosecone + Payload Bay stack moved from Starfactory and into MB2. February 4th: Forward dome section FX:4 moved into MB2 and attached to the nosecone + payload bay stack for a dual lift onto the welding turntable. February 12th: Common dome section CX:3 moved into MB2. February 17th: Section A2:3 moved into MB2. February 21st: Section A3:4 was moved into MB2. February 22nd: Transfer Tubes moved into MB2. March 2nd: Aft section AX:4 moved into MB2, once welded in place this will complete the portion of the assembly process that is the stacking of the ship.
S41 to S46 Starfactory Nosecones under construction plus tiling January 19th: Photos of nosecones inside the Starfactory (note that S44 isn't visible because it's been moved elsewhere). January 28th: Latest photos of the nosecones
Booster Location Status Comment
B19 Pad 2 Preparation for static fire testing November 25th: LOX tank stacking commenced. December 23rd: The booster is now fully stacked. February 1st: Rolled out to Massey's Test Site for its Pressure and Cryo + Thrust Puck Testing. Later that day, B19 underwent Ambient Pressure Testing. February 2nd: partial cryo load of the LOX tank. February 4th: Full cryo load of both tanks. February 6th: More cryo testing, plenty of venting.. February 7th: Even more cryo testing. February 9th: Rolled back to MB2.
B20 Mega Bay 1 LOX Tank Stacking February 5th: LOX tank section A2:4 moved into MB1. February 6th: Common Dome section CX:3 moved into MB1. February 9th: LOX tank section A3:4 moved into MB1. February 12th: LOX tank section A4:4 moved into MB1.
B21-B22 Starfactory Assorted sections under construction August 12th: B19 AFT #6 spotted. Booster Status as of November 16th: https://x.com/CyberguruG8073/status/1990124100317049319. November 21st: After B18's failure, Mark Federschmidt (one of the members of the Starship booster team) made some tweets which mentioned B19 to B22 being under construction (meaning sections inside the Starfactory).

Resources

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[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 hours ago* (last edited 2 hours ago)

2026-03-15:

[–] Decronym@lemmy.decronym.xyz 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 2 hours ago)

Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread:

Fewer Letters More Letters
KSC Kennedy Space Center, Florida
LC-39A Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy (SpaceX F9/Heavy)
LOX Liquid Oxygen
NSF NasaSpaceFlight forum
~ National Science Foundation
SLC-37 Space Launch Complex 37, Canaveral (ULA Delta IV)
ULA United Launch Alliance (Lockheed/Boeing joint venture)
Jargon Definition
Raptor Methane-fueled rocket engine under development by SpaceX
iron waffle Compact "waffle-iron" aerodynamic control surface, acts as a wing without needing to be as large; also, "grid fin"

[Thread #0 for this comm, first seen 15th Mar 2026, 06:55] [FAQ] [Full list] [Contact] [Source code]

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago

2026-03-13:

  • Launch site: B19 is removed from the launch mount and placed on the transport stand. (NSF 1, NSF 2, Avid Space, cnunez 1, cnunez 2)
  • Beach closures are posted for Mar 15th through 18th, from 08:00 to 20:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX, StarshipGazer)
  • Crews are observed working in B19's engine bay area. (TrackingTheSB)
  • Build site: B20's methane transfer tube arrives outside Megabay 1. (ViX)
  • Massey's: Road closure for "Masseys to Production" is posted for Mar 13th 23:59 to Mar 14th 04:00. (ViX)
  • Florida: The final two tower sections (module 2 and module 4) for the first tower at SLC-37 are rolled out. (rocketjunkie94, NSF, Pike)
  • Gigabay construction continues. (Shockwave130524)

2026-03-14:

  • Launch site: B19 raptor covers are removed. (ViX)
  • B19 is placed back on the Pad 2 launch mount. (NSF 1, NSF 2, Avid Space, ViX, colleenliedtke)
  • Both quick disconnects attach to B19. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • The chopsticks release B19 and rise up the tower. The ship quick disconnect arm swings in towards B19. (ViX, wvmattz)
  • The booster transport stand moves away from Pad 2. (ViX)
  • More steel is delivered to Pad 1, presumably for the ground support equipment bunker. (ViX, sparkyinfinity)
  • Build site: B20's methane transfer tube enters Megabay 1 and is raised vertical. (ViX, TrackingTheSB)
  • McGregor: R3.129 (new highest) is observed. (Rhin0)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

2026-03-12:

  • Pad 2 and B19: No testing on Mar 12th.
  • ViX posts videos of Mar 11th testing. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Mar 12th and 13th road closures stay posted for a while, but are eventually removed. (ViX, starbase.texas.gov, archive)
  • The chopsticks close around B19 and the transport stand moves back towards the pad. (ViX, ViX, Sorensen, efraser77 1, efraser77 2, Killip)
  • Build site: Overnight, B20's methane landing tank and lower transfer tube are from Starfactory to Megabay, followed by the refurbished top of test tank B18.3, and then B20's A6:4 section. (ViX)
  • McGregor: R3.128 (new highest) is observed. (Rhin0)
  • Florida: Gigabay construction continues. (Bergeron)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

2026-03-11:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 5 days ago

2026-03-10:

  • Pad 2 B19 testing: NSF full livestream.
  • The booster quick disconnect doors and the ground support equipment doors are shut, pad is cleared. (ViX)
  • Tank farm conditioning begins. (ViX)
  • Road is closed. (rocketjunkie94)
  • Tank farm and B19 venting are observed. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • LOX load begins. (Avid Space, rocketjunkie94)
  • Full load on LOX tank, partial load on methane tank. (ViX)
  • The detonation suppression system is tested. (NSF 1, NSF 2)
  • Venting from the new pipe on the underside of the launch mount was observed, possibly correlated with engine venting. (ViX)
  • Road is opened. (Avid Space)
  • A fleet of cryo tankers arrive to refill the tank farm. (ViX)
  • Chopsticks rise slightly and ship quick disconnect arm swings in. (ViX)
  • More venting from B19 is observed. (TrackingTheSB)
  • Propellant loading flow rate comparison between B19 on Pad 2 and B16 on Pad 1. (NSF)
  • Beach closures are posted for Mar 12th and 13th, from 08:00 to 20:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, Avid Space, ViX, StarshipGazer)
  • McGregor: R3.82 is transported away from the testing area, following testing on the vertical stand. (Rhin0)
  • Florida: Unloading of another set of tanks at the KSC Turn Basin is underway. (wvmattz)
  • Another tower segment (likely module 3) rolls out to SLC-37. (wvmattz)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 6 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

2026-03-09:

  • Launch site: Overnight, the LR11000 crane is laid down. (ViX, efraser77)
  • SpaceX on B19 preflight testing: "Over the coming days, we’ll conduct a series of tests to activate Pad 2 at Starbase, exercise new propellant loading operations, and operate a vehicle with new Raptor 3 engines installed for the first time" (SpaceX 1, SpaceX 2)
  • The both booster quick disconnects perform extension and retraction tests. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • Venting is observed from both of B19's tanks. (Avid Space, ViX)
  • Beach closure for the day is removed. Closures are still listed for 10th and 11th, from 08:00 to 20:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, Avid Space, ViX)
  • Venting is observed from B19's methane tank, and the chopsticks release the booster. (Avid Space, ViX)
  • B19's grid fins are tested. (Avid Space, Mookafish, TrackingTheSB)
  • Three tests of Pad 2's detonation suppression system are observed. (ViX)
  • Closeup photos of B19 and grid fins. (Gisler / House / ViX 1, Gisler / House / ViX 2, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3, Killip's comments, TrackingTheSB)
  • B19's rudder fin appears to contain slanted steel panels, possibly to improve control authority during higher angle-of-attack reentry profiles. (Anderson 1, Anderson 2, Anderson 3, Anderson 4)
  • Build site: A short section of transfer tube is delivered to Megabay 1, and a ring spreader jig us delivered to the ring yard. It is possible that these are to resurrect B18.3. (ViX)
  • Another section of B20's LOX tank (A5:4) is moved from Starfactory to Megabay 1. (Avid Space, ViX)
  • Massey's: S39.1 is lifted onto the old can crusher stand, and the can crusher "hat" is placed on top. (ViX 1, ViX 2, wvmattz)
  • Florida: One set of tanks are offloaded onto trucks at Port Canaveral, and another set of tanks are inbound for the KSC Turn Basin. (NSF, Cornwell)
  • Gigabay construction continues. (rbalephoto)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

2026-03-08:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

2026-03-05:

  • Massey's: The whiffletree load spreader is attached to and then removed from test tank 39.1. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
  • S39 (SN1) forward and aft flaps are tested. (Avid Space)
  • Build site: Gigabay construction continues. (Bergeron / Liedtke)
  • Launch site: At Pad 2, the booster quick disconnects, hold-down clamp arm covers, and the chopsticks are tested. (ViX)
  • McGregor: R3.121 and R3.107 are transported away from the testing area. (Rhin0 1, Rhin0 2)
  • R3.82 is transported towards the testing area. (Rhin0)
  • Florida: SpaceX propose construction of a 97.5 m tall communications tower south of LC-39A. (Caton)
  • Another tower module (6 of 9) is transported towards SLC-37. (wvmattz)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

2026-03-04:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

2026-03-07:

  • Flight 12: "Starship V3 first flight in about 4 weeks" (Elon)
  • Massey's: SpaceX confirm successful completion of S39 cryo tests, including "squeeze tests to mimic the forces of future ship catches". (SpaceX)
  • S39 aft flaps are closed. (TrackingTheSB)
  • Road delay for "Masseys to Production" is updated to Mar 7th 23:59 to Mar 8th 06:00 (previously 04:00). (starbase.texas.gov, archive, TrackingTheSB)
  • Build site: Grid fins have been installed on B19. (Avid Space, StarshipGazer, TrackingTheSB)
  • The booster transport stand enters Megabay 1. (ViX)
  • B19 exits Megabay 1, and is positioned for rollout. (Avid Space, cnunez, mymatrixplug)
  • Launch site: Pad 2 chopsticks are lowered. (ViX)
  • Florida: At LC-39A, the chopsticks are rotated, and the ship quick disconnect arm extension is lifted for installation on the tower. (Priel, wvmattz 1, wvmattz 2, TrackingTheSB)
  • Gigabay construction continues. (Sorensen)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

2026-03-06:

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago

2026-03-03:

  • Florida: Overnight, tower module 5 of 9 rolls out to SLC-37. (NSF)
  • Massey's: Overnight, S39 (SN1) completes its 2nd cryo test. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX, Anderson)
  • Movement of the S39.1 test tank is observed, suggesting testing is completed. (ViX)
  • S39 (SN1) begins its 3rd cryo test. (wvmattz, cnunez, rocketjunkie94, TrackingTheSB)
  • Build site: Both the methane and the LOX raceways are lifted up to the centre work stand in Megabay 2, suggesting upcoming movement of S40. (ViX)
  • Launch site: Pad 2 chopsticks and quick disconnect arm are tested. (ViX)
  • RGV Aerial post a recent flyover photo (closeup) of the Pad 2 launch mount and flame deflector.
  • McGregor: R3.122 and R3.123 leave the testing area. (Rhin0)
  • R3.119 heads towards the testing area. (Rhin0)
  • R3.108, R3.114, R3.113, and an unidentified engine are delivered. (Rhin0, NSF)
[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 0 points 1 week ago

2026-03-01:

2026-03-02: