SpaceX is racing against the clock! The company is pushing forward with the assembly of its Super Heavy Booster 19, aiming for a December completion, all in the hopes of minimizing any further setbacks after the previous Booster 18's recent issues. This is all in preparation for the Starship Flight 12, the debut of the upgraded Block 3 vehicles, targeted for an early 2026 launch.
The progress is impressive. The team is focusing on Booster 19, with the goal of keeping Starship Flight 12 on track. They've already made significant strides, including welding the liquid oxygen (LOX) tank to the engine section and adding methane tank barrels, along with the forward dome.
But here's where it gets interesting: the speed of assembly. The team managed to stack all barrel sections in just 25 days, a significant improvement compared to the 42 days it took for Booster 17. The final stages involve completing the upper section and performing two crucial welds.
As of December 23, the booster's full stacking is just days away. Once stacked, the booster will undergo further outfitting and cryogenic proof testing.
Simultaneously, Ship 39, the first Version 3 upper stage, is also in advanced stages of preparation. It's been fully stacked since November and recently saw a swap of its composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs). This follows enhancements implemented after a COPV failure.
This is the part most people miss: The timing of the COPV exchange raises questions. The COPVs are located near the area where Booster 18's LOX tank ruptured.
Ship 39 is awaiting cryogenic proof testing on the thrust simulator stand, after which it will return for Raptor engine installation. SpaceX is also upgrading the ship static fire area at Massey’s, potentially for better vehicle access.
SpaceX is aggressively iterating on Starship’s Block 3 design, which will feature enhanced performance and reusability. The launch date for this first flight of Block 3 is likely to be in March. This launch will mark numerous firsts, including the vehicle, its Raptor 3 engines, and the upgraded Pad 2 architecture.
What are your thoughts on SpaceX's ambitious timeline? Do you think they can meet their 2026 goals? Share your opinions in the comments below!
