SpaceX is taking a bold step forward, pushing the boundaries of their Starship program despite a recent setback. The anomaly with Booster 18 has not deterred their progress, and they're now focusing on Booster 19 and the Block 3 test tanks.
Following the incident with Booster 18, SpaceX is determined to move ahead. They're constructing Booster 19 and preparing for crucial tests on the Block 3 tanks. However, before Flight 12 can take off, there's still a long road ahead, including building a new booster and completing the launch pad.
The Anomaly and Its Aftermath
A week ago, Booster 18 experienced an anomaly during a gas system pressure test, likely caused by an exploding Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV). This resulted in a hole in the booster's side. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and teams are working to secure the site.
Since then, crews have been busy. They've removed the Liquid Methane (LCH4) tank, the common dome, part of the Liquid Oxygen tank, and part of the transfer tube. Further dismantling efforts will likely continue post-Thanksgiving.
Once Booster 18 is completely removed, the thrust sim cryo stand will need repairs, likely delaying its availability until Booster 19 is ready for testing.
The Rise of Booster 19
With Booster 18 out of the picture, the spotlight shifts to Booster 19. As of November 27, stacking has begun with the common dome and the ring section, both housed in Mega Bay 1. SpaceX aims to have Booster 19 ready for testing in December, which is an ambitious timeline considering the construction and finishing process.
The Starbase team is targeting December for the next Super Heavy booster stack, aligning with the test schedule for the first Starship V3 vehicle and its ground systems. Starship's twelfth flight test is still scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
A New Challenge
SpaceX is attempting something unprecedented - building, completing, and testing a ship or booster within a month. Their fastest achievement so far has been with Booster 17, which took three months, or the estimated time for Booster 18 without delays, which is around two months. Based on these estimates, Booster 19's readiness could be around the end of January.
Potential Delays and Challenges
There are other factors that could impact Flight 12's timeline. Two booster test tanks, B18.1 and B18.3, are currently at Masseys. B18.1, the Block 3 booster aft test tank, has undergone ten cryogenic proof tests and has been in the structural test cage since May 12, 2025. B18.3, the Block 3 booster forward test article, has completed only seven cryogenic proof tests and is welded to the old can crusher. SpaceX is building a structure for testing the grid fin sockets, but more tests are needed.
The other half of Flight 12, Ship 39, is fully stacked but faces a challenge. S39.1, a Block 3 ship aft test article, is currently occupying the ship cryo test stand, preventing cryogenic proof testing of Ship 39. S39.1 is set up to test the newly designed ship aft section and will need further modifications to the cryo stand for crush testing.
Considering the time taken for B18.1 and B18.3, S39.1's testing could be extensive. As long as it occupies the ship cryo test stand, SpaceX cannot proceed with Ship 39's testing.
Pad 2: The Final Piece
Getting Pad 2 operational is crucial for booster and ship testing and for Flight 12 itself. Recently, the main arm of the ship quick disconnect arm was installed onto the integration tower. The next step is to install the arm extension, which will connect to the ship.
Apart from the quick disconnect components, there are a few more tasks. A LCH4 pump is missing on the ship side in the tank farm, and one more blast door needs to be installed on the launch mount service structure. All 20 hold-down clamp doors on the launch mount also require installation.
Despite the progress, SpaceX still has a lot of work ahead before launching Flight 12. The team is determined to make it happen as soon as possible, but it's a complex process with many moving parts.
And this is the part most people miss...
SpaceX's ambition and drive are remarkable, but the challenges they face are immense. Can they pull off this unprecedented feat? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
