2026-02-26:

• Massey’s: Overnight, the S39.1 test tank performs its 10th cryo test. (ViX)
• S39 is transported from Megabay 2 to Massey’s (NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, NSF timelapse, NSF full livestream, Avid Space 1, Avid Space 2, ViX 1, ViX 2,Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Liedtke, CeaserG33, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3, Gisler 4, Sorensen 1, Sorensen 2, Sorensen 3, Sorensen 4, Ramirez 1, Ramirez 2, cnunez 2, cnunez 3, cnunez 4, cnunez 5, rocketjunkie94, efraser77, Doehring)
• S39 is positioned next to the now slightly-less-mysterious test structure. (ViX, Killip / Gisler, SmokeysOutpost, cnunez 1)
• Tabs on the forward and aft flaps are thought to interface with the test structure. (Anderson, Killip)
• S39 is also designated “V3 SN1”. (SpaceX, Elon, Caton)
• Starship tower catch is NET flight 14, contingent on “perfect” ocean landings on flights 12 and 13. (Elon)
• Florida: Another tower segment (module 9) and a ship quick disconnect arm extension are transported towards SLC-37. (wvmattz)

I’ll be a bit busy this weekend; can’t guarantee daily summaries. Should be able to resume on Monday.

2026-02-03:

• Launch site: Overnight, the second of the two new tanks is moved into place at the tank farm. (ViX)
• The cold box for the air separation unit is erected and set in place. (Avid Space, ViX, StarshipGazer, cnunez)
• Multiple deliveries to Pad 1 and Pad 2, including tracks for two new cranes, containers, embeds, and steel. (ViX)
• The Starlink Pez dispenser installation stand is removed from Megabay 2, suggesting that the dispenser mechanism has been installed inside S40 (ViX).
• USACE approve the acquisition of preservation land for launch site expansion. Additional security cameras have been deployed on the border of the new site. Construction work NET Feb 14th. (Anderson 1, Anderson 2, usace.army.mil, noaa.gov)
• Massey’s: Overnight, B19 performs its 1st cryo test. (Priel, TrackingTheSB 1, TrackingTheSB 2)
• The B18.3 test tank is cut in half and the forward section is removed. Construction of the mystery structure continues. (Avid Space, ViX 1, StarshipGazer, TrackingTheSB, Killip)
• Road delay for “Masseys to Production” is posted for Feb 3rd 23:59 to Feb 4th 04:00, likely for the top half of B18.3. (starbase.texas.gov, ViX 1, ViX 2, StarshipGazer, CeaserG33, Jordanguidry6)

2026-02-04:

• Massey’s: Overnight, S39.1 undergoes testing, as evidenced by condensation forming on the tank. (TrackingTheSB, TrackingTheSB 2)
• The top half of B18.3 returns to the build site. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX)
• B19 begins its 2nd cryo test. A drone is observed inspecting the booster during the test. (StarshipGazer 1, StarshipGazer 2, rocketjunkie94, NSF 1, CeaserG33, wvmattz, NSF 2, cnunez)
• This may mark the first full booster cryo test performed at Massey’s. (Golden 1, Golden 2, TrackingTheSB 1, TrackingTheSB 2)
• Launch site: The empty transport which delivered the Cold Box for the air separation unit departs back to Brownsville Port. (ViX)
• Multiple deliveries, including some for Pad 1, and potentially parts for another LR11000 crane. (ViX)
• Slit fencing is installed to denote the expanded perimeter of the launch complex. (StarshipGazer, mymatrixplug, Golden, Anderson 1, Anderson 2)
• Road delay for “Port of Brownsville to Pad” is posted for Feb 5th 23:59 to Feb 6th 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)

2026-02-05:

• Feb 4th addendum: The Pad 2 ship quick disconnect arm is tested. (ViX)
• Massey’s: Overnight, B19 completes its 2nd cryo test. (NSF 1, NSF 2, Avid Space, ViX)
• The aft section of B18.3 is removed from the test stand. (ViX)
• Build site: Overnight, the forward dome section of S40 moves enters Megabay 2, and is attached to the nosecone and payload section for stacking. (Avid Space, ViX, StarshipGazer)
• Also, the B18.3 forward section enters Starfactory, and the first section of B20 (A2:4) enters Megabay 1. (ViX, Killip)
• Launch site: Another tank is delivered to the tank farm. (ViX)
• Delivery of crane parts continues. (ViX, TrackingTheSB)
• A new Link Belt 348 crane is erected. (ViX)
• Clearing of land for launch site expansion continues. (Killip, CeaserG33, Anderson 1, Anderson 2, Anderson 3)
• McGregor: R102 is spotted leaving the testing area. (SpaceRhin0, Swartz)

2026-02-06:

• Launch site: A new tank is delivered and lifted into place at the tank farm. (ViX, Avid Space, Anderson)
• Delivery of crane parts continues. Assembly of the new LR11000 begins. (ViX)
• Two bulldozers manually open the Pad 1 chopsticks. (NSF, ViX, TrackingTheSB)
• Build site: B20 common dome (CX:3) enters Megabay 1. (Avid Space, ViX, Killip, TrackingTheSB)
• Massey’s: B19 begins its 3rd cryo test. Plenty of venting to be seen. (NSF 1, TrackingTheSB 1, StarshipGazer, RoughRidersShow, wvmattz, rocketjunkie94, NSF 2, NSF 3, TrackingTheSB)
• McGregor: R11- (maybe R112?) is spotted leaving the testing area, south stand. (SpaceRhin0, Swartz)

2026-02-08:

• SpaceX shift their focus from Mars to the Moon. Mars is still the long-term goal. (Elon)
• Massey’s: Overnight, B19 completes its 4th cryo test. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX)
• RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos including B19. (RGV Aerial 1, RGV Aerial 2)
• Road delay for “Masseys to Production” is posted for Feb 8th 23:59 to Feb 9th 04:00 for B19 rollback. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, NSF, ViX, NSF livestream)
• Build site: RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos. Gigabay construction continues. (RGV Aerial 1, RGV Aerial 2)
• CyberguruG8073 posts updated ship and booster hardware diagrams. (CyberguruG8073)
• Launch site: Assembly of the new LR11000 crane continues. (ViX)
• RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos, including Pad 1 construction. (RGV Aerial 1, RGV Aerial 2)
• McGregor: Additional photos from the recent flyover including the super heavy booster test article, the large site component stand, the Raptor building, and the Raptor South and Raptor North stands. (NSF 1, NSF 2)
• Raptor 110 is observed. (Raptor_Engine, Killip)

2026-02-07:

• Massey’s: Overnight, B19 completes its 3rd cryo test, possibly including some thrust puck testing, as indicated by falling frost. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX, Starship Gazer 4k video)
• B19 begins its 4th cryo test. (NSF, StarshipGazer 1, StarshipGazer 2, TrackingTheSB)
• Launch site: The continuous flight auger drill moves to Pad 1. (ViX)
• Assembly of an LR11000 crane near Pad 2 continues. (ViX)
• Several pipe sections are removed from the air separation unit. (ViX)
• Build site: Gigabay construction continues. (ViX)
• McGregor: Cuker posts flyover photos of the mystery tent, a booster test tank, and delivery of deluge hardware at the Raptor vertical stand.
• Florida: Gigabay construction continues. Cladding has been installed on the southwest corner, and the northwest tower crane has increased in height. (Bergeron)

2026-02-12:

• McGregor: R-vac 98 departs from the test site, and R-vac 103 and 100 arrive for testing. (NSF, Rex_MKR 1, Rex_MKR 2, SpaceRhin0)
• Massey’s: Test tank 17 (B18.1) is lifted out of the can crusher structure. Both sets of rams are then removed from the base of the structure. (NSF 1, NSF 2, Avid Space, ViX 1, ViX 2, Golden, mymatrixplug)
• Build site: Another section of B20 (A4:4) enters Megabay 1, and is stacked. (Avid Space, ViX, TrackingTheSB, Killip)
• S40 common dome enters Megabay 2. (Avid Space, ViX, TrackingTheSB)
• Launch site: Counterweights are added to the tray of the new LR11000 crane, and the boom is further extended. (ViX)
• Killip comments on a recent photo from cnunez highlighting the new rams installed on Pad 2 chopsticks.

2026-02-21:

• RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos of the air separation unit, Pad 1, and Pad 2.
• Build site: The penultimate barrel section (A3:4) for S40 enters Megabay 2. (Avid Space, ViX, TrackingTheSB)
• Launch site: The Pad 2 deluge system is tested. (Avid Space, ViX)
• The new LR11000 crane is attached to its counterweight tray, possibly in preparation of tower roof work. (ViX, Killip)

2026-02-02:

• Starship V4 will have three additional vacuum engines. (Elon)
• Raptor V4 thrust goal is 300 tonnes of force (3 mega-newtons). (Elon)
• Launch site: Overnight, a large component for the air separation unit is delivered from Brownsville Port. (Avid Space, ViX)
• A cement hopper and a drilling rig arrive at Pad 1. (ViX)
• The Pad 2 FireX and detonation suppression systems are tested. (ViX)
• A tank is lifted into position, and the Pad 2 ship quick disconnect arm is tested. (ViX)
• The LR11000 and LR1500 cranes prepare to lift the newly delivered component for the air separation unit. (ViX)
• Massey’s: The can crusher cap is removed from atop test tank 17 (B18.1). (ViX)
• A chine section is removed from B19. (StarshipGazer)
• After the chine cover is reinstalled, B19 begins its first cryo test. (Avid Space, ViX, StarshipGazer, NSF, Liedtke, TrackingTheSB, cnunez)
• Florida: A new crane is erected at the Roberts Road Gigabay site. (Bergeron)

2026-02-22:

• Launch site: More than twenty water tankers make deliveries to Pad 2, and the pad is cleared. (ViX)
• The Pad 2 deluge system is tested. Minor damage to scaffolding is observed. (Avid Space, ViX, rocketjunkie94, TrackingTheSB, Killip)
• Construction of the sheet pile perimeter around the Pad 1 flame trench continues. (ViX)
• Construction is underway on Gate D5, which would provide direct access for boosters and ships on Pad 1. (Killip / Gisler)
• Build site: Transfer tubes for S40 move from Starfactory towards Megabay 2. (rocketjunkie94)
• McGregor: R-vac R3.103 is transported back towards the testing area. (Rhin0)

2026-02-23:

• Updated ship and booster hardware tracking diagram is posted. (Ringwatchers / Rhin0)
• Build site: The transfer tubes for S40 enter Megabay 2. (Avid Space, ViX)
• Launch site: A new vaporiser with a cap is delivered and offloaded. (ViX)
• Construction of the sheet pile perimeter around the Pad 1 flame trench continues. (ViX)
• A close up photo is posted of the hydraulic ram which actuates the Pad 2 ship quick disconnect arm. Miscellaneous hoses for ship plumbing are also visible. (Killip / Gisler)
• McGregor: Updated Raptor 3 tracking diagram is posted. (Rhin0)
• An R-vac (likely R3.106) returns from the vertical test stand. (Rhin0)
• R3.116 (new highest observed) is transported towards the testing area. (Rhin0, wvmattz)
• Florida: Two more launch tower segments begin rollout, presumably for SLC-37. (kmreed)

2026-02-24:

• “SpaceX seeks special temporary authority to launch and operate space stations on mass simulators for upcoming Starship-Super Heavy test flights and use these space stations to communicate with SpaceX’s satellite constellation and earth station network for a short duration”. Onboard cameras? (FCC, TrackingTheSB)
• Launch site: The stabiliser arm of the left chopstick at Pad 2 is removed. (Avid Space, ViX)
• A boom lift is lifted into the Pad 2 flame trench. (ViX)
• Lights are observed on the retractable cameras beneath the launch mount. (ViX)
• Miscellaneous photos of Pad 1, Pad 2, and the air separation unit are posted. (Gisler)
• Build site: A star load-spreader attached to an adapter ring enters Megabay 1. (ViX)
• Gigabay construction continues. (Killip)
• Massey’s: The LR11000 crane lifts a small black ring structure into the nosecone test structure. (ViX, rocketjunkie94)
• Road delay for “Production to Masseys” is posted for Feb 24th 23:00 to Feb 25th 03:00. (ViX)
• Road delay for “Production to Masseys” is posted for Feb 25th 23:59 to Feb 26th 04:00. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
• Two large pieces of hardware, one circular, one conical, are staged for rollout. (Starship Gazer, efraser77)
• McGregor: R3.77 is transported towards the test stand. (Rhin0)
• R3.101 is removed from the test stand and replaced by R3.105. (Rhin0 1, Rhin0 2)

2026-02-25:

• Massey’s: Overnight, two large pieces of hardware, one circular 20-leg stand and a one conical section, are transported to Massey’s. (ViX, Gisler)
• The LR11000 crane lifts the 20-leg stand into the can-crusher test structure. (ViX)
• Build site: Overnight, a gridfin may have been installed on B19. (TrackingTheSB)
• Photos of Starfactory are posted featuring the integrated hot stage test tank and seven nosecones in various stages of production. (Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2)
• A tarp is mounted on one section of the Gigabay exterior, and the ship transfer tube stand exits Megabay 2. (ViX)
• Ship static fire stand arrives outside Megabay 2. (Avid Space, ViX, wvmattz)
• Road Delay for “Production to Masseys” is posted for Feb 26th 10:00 to 14:00, potentially for S39 rollout. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX, Starship Gazer)
• Launch site: Removal of scaffold boards from the inner ring of the Pad 2 launch mount begins. (ViX)
• Ground work continues for the expanded launch site. (Doehring)

2026-02-27:

• Launch site: Overnight, the stabiliser arm is reinstalled on the Pad 2 chopsticks, and the chopsticks are tested. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, TrackingTheSB)
• Truss structures and scaffolding are removed from the Pad 2 launch mount. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Both booster quick disconnects perform extension and retraction tests. (ViX)
• Recent flyover photos of Pad 2 are posted. (RGV Aerial)
• Build site: The ship quick disconnect plate is lifted up to the central work stand inside Megabay 2. (ViX)
• Installation of thermal protection system tiles is underway the S45 nosecone, which puts it ahead of the S43 nosecone. (CeaserG33)
• Raptor transport box SN03 (not engine serial number) arrives. (Rhin0)
• Massey’s: Explanation of how the new ship test stand might simulate chopstick forces while the ship pressurised. (Killip, FelixSchlang)
• Highlights of Ship v3 new hardware on SN1, including updated raceways and docking hardware for propellant transfer. (Killip / cnunez)
• Florida: Gigabay construction continues. (Bergeron / Liedtke)

2026-02-28:

• Massey’s: Overnight, Ship v3 SN1 (née S39) performs its first test, likely an ambient-temperature pressure test. (ViX, StarshipGazer)
• Column extension pieces are lifted to the top of the can crusher structure. (ViX)
• Launch site: Overnight, booster quick disconnect extension and retraction tests continue. (ViX)
• The Pad 2 detonation suppression system is tested, and both booster quick disconnects are purged. (Avid Space, ViX 1, ViX 2, Killip)