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List of Super Heavy boosters

Since April 2023, Super Heavy has been launched times, with successes and failures. Starship, the vehicle Super Heavy composes when combined with the Starship spacecraft,[1] has been developed with the intention of lowering launch costs using economies of scale.[2] SpaceX aims to achieve this by reusing both rocket stages, increasing payload mass to orbit, increasing launch frequency, creating a mass-manufacturing pipeline and adapting it to a wide range of space missions.[3][4] Starship is the latest project in SpaceX's reusable launch system development program and plan to colonize Mars.[5]

There are currently three planned versions of Super Heavy: Block 1 (also known as Version 1 or V1), Block 2, and Block 3. As of September 2025, Block 1 vehicles and Block 2 vehicles have flown.[6] The Super Heavy booster is reusable, and is recovered via large arms on the tower capable of catching the descending vehicle.[7] As of May 2025, NaN booster has been refurbished and subsequently flown at least a second time, though NaN boosters, Booster 12,[8] 14, and 15, have been recovered after flight, with Booster 12 having damage to one of its chine sections, and Booster 14 being reused.[9][10]

Development

Ground testing (BN1–B6)

BN1

BN1 was the first Super-Heavy Booster prototype, a pathfinder that was not intended for flight tests.[15] Sections of the ~66 m tall test article were manufactured throughout autumn 2020. Section stacking began in December 2020.[16] BN1 was fully stacked inside the High Bay on March 18, 2021,[17] and was scrapped on March 30, 2021.

B3

Booster 3 completed stacking in the High Bay on June 29, 2021,[18] and moved to the test stand.[19] A cryogenic proof test was completed on July 13,[20][21] followed by a static fire test on July 19. BN3/Booster 3 was partially scrapped on August 15, while the liquid oxygen (LOX) tank remained welded to the Test Stand until January 13, 2022.[22]

B4–B5

B4 was fully stacked on August 1, with all 29 engines installed on August 2, 2021.[23] Grid fins were added to support atmospheric reentry testing. S20 was stacked on top of Booster 4 on August 6, 2021 for a fitting test,[24] making it, for two years, the tallest rocket ever fully integrated.[25] B4 completed its first cryogenic proof test on December 17, 2021,[26] followed by a pneumatic proof test, another cryogenic proof test and a full-load cryogenic proof test. B4 and Ship 20 were then retired.[21] On March 6, 2024, B4s grid fins were removed,[27] it was moved to the Mega Bay on March 21 where it was scrapped the following day.[28][29]

Parts for B5 were observed as early as July 19, 2021. Stacking for B5 completed in November, although on December 8, B5 was retired alongside SN15 and SN16. It was later scrapped.

BN1

BN1 was the first Super-Heavy Booster prototype, a pathfinder that was not intended for flight tests.[15] Sections of the ~66 m tall test article were manufactured throughout autumn 2020. Section stacking began in December 2020.[16] BN1 was fully stacked inside the High Bay on March 18, 2021,[17] and was scrapped on March 30, 2021.

B3

Booster 3 completed stacking in the High Bay on June 29, 2021,[18] and moved to the test stand.[19] A cryogenic proof test was completed on July 13,[20][21] followed by a static fire test on July 19. BN3/Booster 3 was partially scrapped on August 15, while the liquid oxygen (LOX) tank remained welded to the Test Stand until January 13, 2022.[22]

B4–B5

B4 was fully stacked on August 1, with all 29 engines installed on August 2, 2021.[23] Grid fins were added to support atmospheric reentry testing. S20 was stacked on top of Booster 4 on August 6, 2021 for a fitting test,[24] making it, for two years, the tallest rocket ever fully integrated.[25] B4 completed its first cryogenic proof test on December 17, 2021,[26] followed by a pneumatic proof test, another cryogenic proof test and a full-load cryogenic proof test. B4 and Ship 20 were then retired.[21] On March 6, 2024, B4s grid fins were removed,[27] it was moved to the Mega Bay on March 21 where it was scrapped the following day.[28][29]

Parts for B5 were observed as early as July 19, 2021. Stacking for B5 completed in November, although on December 8, B5 was retired alongside SN15 and SN16. It was later scrapped.

Block 1 launches (B7–B13)

B7–B8

B7 was placed on the orbital launch mount on March 31, 2022, and completed two cryogenic proof tests in April, resulting in the rupturing of the downcomer.[30] After being repaired, it was returned to OLP-1, and completed two cryogenic tests. It was then moved to Mega Bay 1 for engine and grid fin installation.[31] On July 11, after returning to OLP-1 for engine testing, B7 experienced a detonation underneath the engines during an attempted 33-engine spin prime test.[32] It returned to OLP-1 on August 4 with only the 20 outer Raptor engines,[33] and completed its first single-engine static fire test on August 9, followed by a second two days later.[34] After receiving its thirteen inner engines,[35] B7 conducted a series of spin prime and static fire tests throughout August and September,[36][37][38][39] before again returning to the Mega Bay on September 21.[40] After receiving additional upgrades it was lifted on the launch pad on October 8.[41] Ship 24 was stacked on top B7 on October 12,[42] and was removed after completing multiple cryogenic load tests.[43][44][45] B7 then completed a spin prime test of multiple engines on November 12,[46] a 14-engine static fire test on November 14,[47] and finally an 11-engine static fire in an autogenous pressurization test on November 29.[48] In January 2023, Booster 7 and Ship 24 conducted a wet dress rehearsal,[49] before attempting a 33-engine static fire on February 9.[50] On April 20, 2023, Booster 7 was launched on Integrated Flight Test 1, being destroyed before stage separation after a fire in the aft section severed connections between its engines and flight computers, resulting in a loss of attitude control and FTS activation.[51]

B8 was fully stacked on July 8, 2022.[52] It was moved to the launch site on September 19, 2022, though it was not tested there.[39] Booster 8 was scrapped in January 2023 in favor of Booster 9. Booster 8's hydraulic power units were used to replace Booster 7's, along with several other parts, including the engine shielding.[53]

B9–B13

B9 finished stacking in late 2022, and featured upgrades, including electric thrust vector control (ETVC) gimbaling system of the raptor engines, replacing the previous hydraulic power units that were used up to Booster 8. It was moved to the OLS cryogenic station on December 15.[54] Two cryogenic proof tests were conducted on December 21 and December 29, both of which were successful.[55] After engine installation, Booster 9 was rolled to OLP-1 on July 20,[56] conducting a cryogenic proof test on OLP-1,[57] followed by a spin prime test on August 4.[58] On August 6, Booster 9 fired 29 engines for 2.7 seconds, instead of the planned 33 engines for five seconds.[59] It was then moved off of OLP-1 and rolled back to Mega Bay 1, where its vented interstage was added on August 16.[60] B9 was moved back to OLP-1 on August 22 and underwent another spin prime test the next day.[61][62] On August 25, Booster 9 underwent a static fire of all 33 engines, with two engines shutting off early.[62] Ship 25 (S25) was lifted onto B9 for the first time on September 5, and was destacked several times throughout the rest of the month and mid October.[63] On October 22, B9 underwent two partial cryogenic tests, while S25 was not tested,[64] followed by a full wet dress rehearsal (WDR) two days later.[65] On November 18, Booster 9 and Ship 25 lifted off with all 33 engines lit at 7:02 am CST.[66] Following the successful separation from S25, B9 was destroyed after several engine failures during the boost-back burn.[66]

B10 was fully stacked in March 2023.[67] B10 was moved to Massey's test site for cryogenic testing on July 7, undergoing a cryogenic proof test on July 18.[68] Additional cryogenic tests were performed in mid September.[69] B10 was moved back to Mega Bay 1 on September 19 for engine and interstage installation.[70] On December 18, B10 was moved to the orbital launch site,[71] followed by a lift onto OLP-1 the next day.[71] It completed a 33-engine static fire test on December 29.[72] On January 2, 2024, B10 was moved back to the Production Site,[73] and was transported to the Orbital Launch Site for a WDR.[74] On February 9, B10 was lifted onto OLP-1,[74] and on February 10, Ship 28 (S28) was lifted onto B10,[75] with the combined vehicle aborting two wet dress rehearsal attempts.[76] The wet dress rehearsal was completed on March 3.[77] The vehicles were destacked for FTS arming on March 5,[77] which occurred on March 8,[77] followed by S28 being restacked on March 10.[78] On March 14, B10 was launched with S28 on IFT-3, completing the ascent burn with zero engine failures. Six engines failed during the boostback burn.[79] During its landing burn, only three engines started up with two failing shortly thereafter.[80]

B11 was fully stacked in June 2023.[81] On October 12, B11 was moved to Massey's test site, where it was cryo-tested on October 14 and October 18.[82] On November 19, B11 was moved back to Mega Bay 1 for engine and interstage installation.[83] B11 was moved to OLP-1 for static-fire testing on April 4,[84] where it conducted a 33-engine static-fire on April 5.[85] On April 7, it was removed from OLP-1,[86] and rolled back to Mega Bay 1 for preflight modifications.[86] On May 10, B11 was rolled out of Mega Bay 1,[87] and rolled to the Orbital Launch Site.[88] It was lifted onto OLP-1 on May 11.[89] On May 15, Ship 29 (S29) was lifted onto B11, with the combined vehicle completing a partial cryogenic test on May 16,[90] and a full wet dress rehearsal on May 20,[91] A second wet dress rehearsal was completed on May 28.[92] On May 29, S29 was destacked for final tile work and Flight Termination System (FTS) Installation,[93] with FTS installation occurring on May 30.[93] S29 was stacked onto B11 for the final time on June 5.[94] On June 6, B11 and S29 launched on IFT-4, with a single engine failure occurring shortly after liftoff.[95] The boostback burn saw no engine failures, though a second engine failed during the landing burn.[95] B11 was destroyed after tipping over, with several components being recovered in late September.[96][97] On October 9, Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability of SpaceX, Bill Gerstenmaier, claimed that B11 landed within "half a centimeter" of the target.[98]

B12 began assembly in June 2023.[81] On December 28, 2023, B12 was moved to Massey's for cryogenic testing, where it conducted two cryogenic tests on January 10 and January 12.[99] B12 was moved production site in mid-January for engine installation.[100] B12 was moved to OLP-1 on July 9 for static fire testing,[101] where it conducted a pressurization test on July 11,[102] followed by a 33-engine spin prime on July 12 and a 33-engine static fire on July 15.[103][104] B12 was rolled back to the production site on July 16, 2024.[105] SpaceX claimed that B12 and S30 were ready to fly on August 8.[106] On September 20, B12 was rolled to the launch site, with S30 being lifted onto B12 the next day.[107] A partial wet dress rehearsal was conducted on September 23.[108] A second partial wet dress rehearsal occurred on October 7,[109] followed by S30 being destacked for FTS installation.[110] FTS was installed on both vehicles on October 9,[111] and S30 was stacked onto B12 for Flight 5 on October 11.[112] B12 and S30 launched on October 13, with B12 successfully conducting the ascent, boostback, and landing burns with no engine failures, before being caught by the tower's chopsticks,[113] and lowered onto OLP-1.[114] Musk claimed that B12 suffered damage that could be "easily addressed", including warping of the outer engine nozzles.[115] B12's FTS was removed on October 14,[116] followed by being returned to Mega Bay 1 for post-flight inspections.[8] On October 22, B12's vented interstage was recovered,[117] followed by B12 retirement to the rocket garden on October 28.[118]

B13 and subsequent vehicles have upgraded liquid oxygen vents, a new raceway design, and reinforced chines.[119] B13's assembly was completed on February 3, 2024.[120] It was rolled to Massey's test site for cryogenic testing on April 25.[121] B13 completed its first cryo-test on April 26,[122] and a second cryogenic test on April 29.[123] On October 22, B13 was rolled to OLP-A,[124] where a partial cryogenic test was performed two days later.[125] Following this, B13 conducted a static fire,[125] and was subsequently rolled to Mega Bay 1.[126] It returned to the launch site for IFT-6 on November 14,[127] where Ship 31 (S31) was lifted onto the booster.[128] FTS was installed on November 15,[129] followed by a partial wet dress rehearsal on November 17.[130] On November 19, B13 launched with S31, completing the ascent, boostback, and landing burns. However, the "catch" attempt was called off due to an issue with the launch tower,[131] and the booster was diverted to splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.[132] B13's aft section was recovered in late July, 2025.[133]

B7–B8

B7 was placed on the orbital launch mount on March 31, 2022, and completed two cryogenic proof tests in April, resulting in the rupturing of the downcomer.[30] After being repaired, it was returned to OLP-1, and completed two cryogenic tests. It was then moved to Mega Bay 1 for engine and grid fin installation.[31] On July 11, after returning to OLP-1 for engine testing, B7 experienced a detonation underneath the engines during an attempted 33-engine spin prime test.[32] It returned to OLP-1 on August 4 with only the 20 outer Raptor engines,[33] and completed its first single-engine static fire test on August 9, followed by a second two days later.[34] After receiving its thirteen inner engines,[35] B7 conducted a series of spin prime and static fire tests throughout August and September,[36][37][38][39] before again returning to the Mega Bay on September 21.[40] After receiving additional upgrades it was lifted on the launch pad on October 8.[41] Ship 24 was stacked on top B7 on October 12,[42] and was removed after completing multiple cryogenic load tests.[43][44][45] B7 then completed a spin prime test of multiple engines on November 12,[46] a 14-engine static fire test on November 14,[47] and finally an 11-engine static fire in an autogenous pressurization test on November 29.[48] In January 2023, Booster 7 and Ship 24 conducted a wet dress rehearsal,[49] before attempting a 33-engine static fire on February 9.[50] On April 20, 2023, Booster 7 was launched on Integrated Flight Test 1, being destroyed before stage separation after a fire in the aft section severed connections between its engines and flight computers, resulting in a loss of attitude control and FTS activation.[51]

B8 was fully stacked on July 8, 2022.[52] It was moved to the launch site on September 19, 2022, though it was not tested there.[39] Booster 8 was scrapped in January 2023 in favor of Booster 9. Booster 8's hydraulic power units were used to replace Booster 7's, along with several other parts, including the engine shielding.[53]

B9–B13

B9 finished stacking in late 2022, and featured upgrades, including electric thrust vector control (ETVC) gimbaling system of the raptor engines, replacing the previous hydraulic power units that were used up to Booster 8. It was moved to the OLS cryogenic station on December 15.[54] Two cryogenic proof tests were conducted on December 21 and December 29, both of which were successful.[55] After engine installation, Booster 9 was rolled to OLP-1 on July 20,[56] conducting a cryogenic proof test on OLP-1,[57] followed by a spin prime test on August 4.[58] On August 6, Booster 9 fired 29 engines for 2.7 seconds, instead of the planned 33 engines for five seconds.[59] It was then moved off of OLP-1 and rolled back to Mega Bay 1, where its vented interstage was added on August 16.[60] B9 was moved back to OLP-1 on August 22 and underwent another spin prime test the next day.[61][62] On August 25, Booster 9 underwent a static fire of all 33 engines, with two engines shutting off early.[62] Ship 25 (S25) was lifted onto B9 for the first time on September 5, and was destacked several times throughout the rest of the month and mid October.[63] On October 22, B9 underwent two partial cryogenic tests, while S25 was not tested,[64] followed by a full wet dress rehearsal (WDR) two days later.[65] On November 18, Booster 9 and Ship 25 lifted off with all 33 engines lit at 7:02 am CST.[66] Following the successful separation from S25, B9 was destroyed after several engine failures during the boost-back burn.[66]

B10 was fully stacked in March 2023.[67] B10 was moved to Massey's test site for cryogenic testing on July 7, undergoing a cryogenic proof test on July 18.[68] Additional cryogenic tests were performed in mid September.[69] B10 was moved back to Mega Bay 1 on September 19 for engine and interstage installation.[70] On December 18, B10 was moved to the orbital launch site,[71] followed by a lift onto OLP-1 the next day.[71] It completed a 33-engine static fire test on December 29.[72] On January 2, 2024, B10 was moved back to the Production Site,[73] and was transported to the Orbital Launch Site for a WDR.[74] On February 9, B10 was lifted onto OLP-1,[74] and on February 10, Ship 28 (S28) was lifted onto B10,[75] with the combined vehicle aborting two wet dress rehearsal attempts.[76] The wet dress rehearsal was completed on March 3.[77] The vehicles were destacked for FTS arming on March 5,[77] which occurred on March 8,[77] followed by S28 being restacked on March 10.[78] On March 14, B10 was launched with S28 on IFT-3, completing the ascent burn with zero engine failures. Six engines failed during the boostback burn.[79] During its landing burn, only three engines started up with two failing shortly thereafter.[80]

B11 was fully stacked in June 2023.[81] On October 12, B11 was moved to Massey's test site, where it was cryo-tested on October 14 and October 18.[82] On November 19, B11 was moved back to Mega Bay 1 for engine and interstage installation.[83] B11 was moved to OLP-1 for static-fire testing on April 4,[84] where it conducted a 33-engine static-fire on April 5.[85] On April 7, it was removed from OLP-1,[86] and rolled back to Mega Bay 1 for preflight modifications.[86] On May 10, B11 was rolled out of Mega Bay 1,[87] and rolled to the Orbital Launch Site.[88] It was lifted onto OLP-1 on May 11.[89] On May 15, Ship 29 (S29) was lifted onto B11, with the combined vehicle completing a partial cryogenic test on May 16,[90] and a full wet dress rehearsal on May 20,[91] A second wet dress rehearsal was completed on May 28.[92] On May 29, S29 was destacked for final tile work and Flight Termination System (FTS) Installation,[93] with FTS installation occurring on May 30.[93] S29 was stacked onto B11 for the final time on June 5.[94] On June 6, B11 and S29 launched on IFT-4, with a single engine failure occurring shortly after liftoff.[95] The boostback burn saw no engine failures, though a second engine failed during the landing burn.[95] B11 was destroyed after tipping over, with several components being recovered in late September.[96][97] On October 9, Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability of SpaceX, Bill Gerstenmaier, claimed that B11 landed within "half a centimeter" of the target.[98]

B12 began assembly in June 2023.[81] On December 28, 2023, B12 was moved to Massey's for cryogenic testing, where it conducted two cryogenic tests on January 10 and January 12.[99] B12 was moved production site in mid-January for engine installation.[100] B12 was moved to OLP-1 on July 9 for static fire testing,[101] where it conducted a pressurization test on July 11,[102] followed by a 33-engine spin prime on July 12 and a 33-engine static fire on July 15.[103][104] B12 was rolled back to the production site on July 16, 2024.[105] SpaceX claimed that B12 and S30 were ready to fly on August 8.[106] On September 20, B12 was rolled to the launch site, with S30 being lifted onto B12 the next day.[107] A partial wet dress rehearsal was conducted on September 23.[108] A second partial wet dress rehearsal occurred on October 7,[109] followed by S30 being destacked for FTS installation.[110] FTS was installed on both vehicles on October 9,[111] and S30 was stacked onto B12 for Flight 5 on October 11.[112] B12 and S30 launched on October 13, with B12 successfully conducting the ascent, boostback, and landing burns with no engine failures, before being caught by the tower's chopsticks,[113] and lowered onto OLP-1.[114] Musk claimed that B12 suffered damage that could be "easily addressed", including warping of the outer engine nozzles.[115] B12's FTS was removed on October 14,[116] followed by being returned to Mega Bay 1 for post-flight inspections.[8] On October 22, B12's vented interstage was recovered,[117] followed by B12 retirement to the rocket garden on October 28.[118]

B13 and subsequent vehicles have upgraded liquid oxygen vents, a new raceway design, and reinforced chines.[119] B13's assembly was completed on February 3, 2024.[120] It was rolled to Massey's test site for cryogenic testing on April 25.[121] B13 completed its first cryo-test on April 26,[122] and a second cryogenic test on April 29.[123] On October 22, B13 was rolled to OLP-A,[124] where a partial cryogenic test was performed two days later.[125] Following this, B13 conducted a static fire,[125] and was subsequently rolled to Mega Bay 1.[126] It returned to the launch site for IFT-6 on November 14,[127] where Ship 31 (S31) was lifted onto the booster.[128] FTS was installed on November 15,[129] followed by a partial wet dress rehearsal on November 17.[130] On November 19, B13 launched with S31, completing the ascent, boostback, and landing burns. However, the "catch" attempt was called off due to an issue with the launch tower,[131] and the booster was diverted to splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.[132] B13's aft section was recovered in late July, 2025.[133]

Block 2 launches (B14–B17)

On May 11, 2024, SpaceX released an image showing that B14 had been assembled.[134] B14 was rolled out of Mega Bay 1 on October 2, ahead of a rollout to Massey's the next day.[135] On October 4, B14 conducted its first cryogenic test,[136] followed by a second on October 5.[137] It was then moved to Mega Bay 1 on October 7.[138] After receiving its thirty-three engines, B14 was moved to OLP-A for static-fire testing on December 5.[139] It conducted a spin prime test on December 7,[140] followed by a static fire on December 9.[141] B14 then rolled back to Mega Bay 1 for final preflight modifications.[142] On December 30, it returned to OLP A for launch.[143] Musk confirmed on January 2 that B14 would be reflying an engine from B12.[144] On January 3, FTS was installed on the booster.[145] On January 9, Ship 33 (S33) was stacked onto the booster,[146] surpassing Starship Block 1 as the tallest rocket ever assembled.[147] The combined vehicle conducted a Wet Dress Rehearsal on January 10,[148] before being destacked on the 11th.[149] Ship 33 was restacked the next day.[150] On January 16, B14 launched with S33, conducting a nominal ascent burn, and successfully separated from the upper stage.[151] Despite a failure to relight an engine for the boostback burn, B14 returned to the launch site, and was caught after igniting all thirteen engines for the landing burn.[151] On January 18, it was rolled to the rocket garden.[152]

B14-2 returned to the launch site on April 1, 2025,[153] and conducted a static fire there on April 3,[154] becoming the first recovered Super Heavy booster to static fire after launch.[155] It returned to the production site on April 8.[156] On April 18, B14-2 received its second vented interstage in MB1.[157] It was rolled to Pad-1 on May 13,[158] only to be rolled back to the production site on May 17.[159] On May 24, B14-2 was rolled to Pad-1 for launch,[160] with S35 being integrated with B14 on May 25.[161] B14-2 and S35 launched on May 27, with B14-1 keeping all 33 engines lit until MECO.[162] Unlike its first flight, it ignited all 13 gimbaling engines for the boostback burn.[162] After descending through the atmosphere, it ignited 12 engines for the landing burn, before detonating over the Gulf of Mexico.[162]

B15 features upgraded electrical systems, such as a more powerful processor and "integrated smart-batteries".[163] On July 23, 2024, B15 's aft section was spotted, featuring additional tanks attached to the liquid oxygen header tank.[164] On December 21, it was moved to Massey's for cryogenic testing.[165] It completed a cryogenic test on December 27,[166] followed by additional tests on December 28.[166] Following this, it returned to Mega Bay 1 for engine and grid-fin installation.[166] On February 8, B15 rolled to OLP-A,[167] where it conducted a static fire on February 9.[168] Following this test, it returned to Mega Bay 1.[169] On February 25, B15 rolled to the launch site,[170] where on March 2, Ship 34 (S34) was stacked onto the booster for launch.[171] A launch attempt was aborted late into the count on March 3.[172] S34 was destacked on March 4,[173] and restacked on March 5 after an aborted attempt earlier that day.[174] On March 6, B15 launched with S34, completing its ascent burn before separating from the upper stage. Following this, it returned to the launch site, and was caught.[175]B15-2 returned to Mega Bay 1 on March 8,[176] before moving to the Rocket Garden on March 19.[177] On September 6, 2025, B15-2 was rolled to the launch site for its second static fire test,[178] conducted for a full duration on September 7.[179] The booster was then returned to the mega bay for vented interstage installation and final preflight preparations.[180] It was rolled to Pad-1 for its second and final flight on October 8, 2025.[181] S38 would be lifted onto the booster on October 11.[182]

On October 14, 2024, the first section for B16 was spotted being moved around Starfactory.[183] Stacking began in late October,[184] and concluded in late December.[185] It conducted a cryogenic test on February 28,[186] followed by a return to Mega Bay 1 in late March.[187] It rolled out for static fire testing on June 4,[188] with a static fire attempt being aborted on June 5.[189] The test was completed on June 6.[190] After this, the booster rolled back into Mega Bay 1 on June 8.[191] Its vented interstage was installed on June 16, 2025.[192] However, this was removed following the catastrophic failure of Ship 36's six engine static fire.[193] Following rollout to the launch site, Ship 37 was stacked onto B16 for Flight 10.[194] The first launch attempt was aborted about ten minutes into propellant load,[195] with a second attempt being scrubbed forty seconds before the targeted launch time.[196] A third attempt on August 26 was successful, despite B16 losing an engine during the ascent burn.[197] B16 managed to complete the landing burn experiment previously scheduled for the flight before, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico about seven minutes after liftoff.[197]

Assembly of B17 began on January 4, 2025.[198] It was rolled to Massey's on April 8,[199] where it conducted its cryogenic proof tests.[200] After these tests were completed, B17 returned to Mega Bay 1 briefly,[157] before rolling to the rocket garden.[201] B17 was scrapped on November 20, 2025.

Block 3 launches (B18–subsequent)

Block 3 boosters have an integrated vented interstage/forward dome, three grid fins instead of the prior four, as well as Raptor 3 engines.[202] The switch to Raptor 3 enables the removal of the majority of the booster's engine shielding.[202]

Assembly of B18 begun on May 19, 2025.[203], with the stacking of vehicle sections continuing into November.[204] It rolled to Massey's for cryogenic testing on November 20, 2025.[205] B18 then experienced an anomaly during its initial testing at Massey's on November 21, and was scrapped days later.[206]

B19 began stacking on November 27, 2025, with it being fully stacked on December 24.[207] It is expected to be used in Flight 12, the flight that B18 was originally intended for.[208] Booster 19 rolled to Massey's for cryogenic testing on February 1, 2026.[209] This testing occurred shortly after arriving at Massey's.[210] The booster returned to Mega Bay 1 on February 9 for engine installation.[211] On March 8, it was rolled out to the launch site for static fire testing.[212] Another cryogenic test was completed on March 10, with this being the first loading of propellant on Pad-2.[213] Following this on March 11 was a Spin Prime,[214] and an igniter test on March 15.[215] A ten engine static fire test occurred on March 16,[216] though an issue with the launch pad caused an early shutdown.[217] Booster 19 returned to the production site on March 18 for installation of the remaining twenty three engines.[218][217] On April 11, it returned to the launch site with all thirty three engines,[219] where it underwent either a cryogenic test or spin prime on April 12.[220] An igniter test was performed on April 13,[221] and a 33-engine static fire on April 15.[222]

Test articles

Super Heavy-based test articles

B2.1 (not BN2.1) conducted three cryogenic tests on December 1, 2021, December 2, 2021, and December 3, 2021.[231][232]

B6.1 was originally intended to be the third flight-worthy Super Heavy, but was repurposed as a test tank. In May 2023, it was used to test the modified FTS system, after the FTS on B7 and S24 failed to destroy the vehicle.[53]

B7.1 was first cryogenically proof tested on 28 June 2022,[233] and tested again on 19 July 2022.[234] During a suspected pressurize to failure test two days later, it received minor damage.[235] B7.1 was then moved to the Massey's test site in September 2022, and then scrapped in December 2023.[236]

Hot Stage Load Head (HSLH) was a test article designed to verify the structural integrity of the interstage of Super Heavy Boosters 9+.[237] It was transported to the Massey's test site on July 30, 2023,[238] before being loaded onto the Can Crusher testing device.[239] In mid-October 2023, it was moved back to the production site,[240] where it was disassembled.[241]

B14.1 is a test article consisting of a booster common dome and a forward section.[242] After structural testing at Massey's, it was moved to the launch site on June 21, 2024,[243] and lifted onto OLP-1.[244] It was tested on June 26,[225] followed by additional testing on June 27.[245] It conducted additional testing on August 15.[246] On August 17, it was returned to the production site,[226] where it was scrapped on January 11, 2025.[247]

The Block 3 Header Tank Test Article was a Block 3 booster header tank tested at McGregor in 2025.[227]

B18.1 is a test article of the Block 3 aft section, including a Block 3 booster header tank.[248][249] It was rolled to Massey's for testing on May 10, 2025.[250] On September 19, 2025, it was damaged during a cryogenic test.[251]

B18.3 is a test article for the Block 3 forward section/vented interstage assembly.[252] It was destroyed in January 2026 during a test at Massey's.[210]

General test articles

See also

References

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  6. Eric Berger. Elon Musk just gave another Mars speech—this time the vision seems tangible Ars Technica, 2024-04-08, retrieved 2024-06-11^
  7. Everyday Astronaut. Go up SpaceX's Starship-catching robotic launch tower with Elon Musk! 2022-05-26, retrieved 2024-06-03^
  8. SpaceX Rolls Booster 12 to the Production Site After Catch NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-15, retrieved 2024-10-15^
  9. Stephen Clark. SpaceX just took a big step toward reusing Starship's Super Heavy booster Ars Technica, 2025-04-03, retrieved 2025-04-04^
  10. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Starship Flight 9 2025-05-27, retrieved 2025-05-28^
  11. Starship SN15 to undergo flight test Tuesday May 4, 2021, retrieved May 6, 2023^
  12. Super Heavy Booster 3 Scrapped NASASpaceflight, August 15, 2021^
  13. Stephen Clark. SpaceX test-fires Starship for an all-important next flight Ars Technica, 2025-05-13, retrieved 2025-05-13^
  14. Justin Davenport. Starship program at critical moment as Flight 9 and infrastructure work in focus NASASpaceFlight.com, 2025-05-22, retrieved 2025-05-26^
  15. Elon Musk. Yes, Booster 1 is a production pathfinder, figuring out how to build & transport 69-meter-tall stage. Booster 2 will fly.^
  16. Chris Bergin. Starship SN9's time to shine – test series targets a New Year's resolution NASASpaceflight, 28 December 2020, retrieved 29 December 2020^
  17. Mary. Booster BN1 is fully stacked in the high bay.^
  18. Super Heavy Booster 3 Stacked NASASpaceflight, 29 June 2021, retrieved 22 August 2021^
  19. SpaceX Transports A Super Heavy Booster Prototype To The Launch Pad Tesmanian.com, retrieved 1 July 2021^
  20. First one to fly will [have grid fins], so Booster 4. Booster 3 will be used for ground tests. We're changing much of the design from 3 to 4. Booster 3 was very hard to build. Expect rapid evolution in the first ~10 boosters & first ~30 ships. 30 June 2021^
  21. We're almost done with first prototype booster. This will go to test stand A. The next one will fly to orbit. The team has been crushing it many days & nights in a row! 25 June 2021^
  22. Super Heavy Booster 3's LOX Tank Finally Scrapped NASASpaceflight, January 10, 2022, retrieved August 11, 2022^
  23. Final decision made earlier this week on booster engine count. Will be 33 at ~230 (half million lbs) sea-level thrust 11 July 2021^
  24. Ryan Weber. Major elements of Starship Orbital Launch Pad in place as launch readiness draws nearer NASASpaceflight, October 31, 2021, retrieved December 19, 2021^
  25. Sissi Cao. Starship Completes Stacking Giant Starship Stages For Orbital Flight Observer, August 6, 2021, retrieved November 19, 2021^
  26. And there is some impressive depress venting on Booster 4! A possible conclusion to a good cryogenic pressure test!^
  27. John Cargile. Booster 4 is having grid fins removed retrieved Mar 6, 2024^
  28. 4K SpaceX Starbase Booster 4 Final Move to Megabay 1 on 3/21/24 Starship Gazer, March 21, 2024, retrieved 2024-03-22^
  29. Chris Bergin. Booster 4 is being cut in half inside the Mega Bay. retrieved Mar 22, 2024^
  30. Why SpaceX Could Be Forced To Abandon Starship Payloads Until 2024! CSI Starbase, 2023-03-22, retrieved 2024-10-22^
  31. How SpaceX is Rapidly Iterating Starship NASASpaceflight, 2022-03-31, retrieved 2024-05-31^
  32. SpaceX Booster 7 Experiences Explosion NASASpaceflight, July 11, 2022, retrieved July 18, 2022^
  33. . Chopsticks Break Down Before Lifting Booster 7 8 August 2022, retrieved 2022-08-11^
  34. Full duration 20-second static fire of Super Heavy Booster 7 retrieved 2022-08-11^
  35. Adding the 13 inner engines retrieved 2022-08-13^
  36. Booster 7 and Ship 24 both underwent Raptor engine spin prime testing. Also, F-22 Raptor Fighter Jets were spotted flying over Starbase in preparation for an airshow later in the week. retrieved 2022-08-28^
  37. . Starship Testing Causes Grass Fire September 9, 2022, retrieved 2022-09-21^
  38. . Starship 25 Nosecone Stacked and Booster 7 Spin Prime Testing September 14, 2022, retrieved 2022-09-21^
  39. . Booster 8 Rolled Out to the Launch Site for Testing September 21, 2022, retrieved 2022-10-12^
  40. . Booster 7 Lifted Off the Orbital Launch Mount (and rolled back) September 22, 2022, retrieved 2022-10-12^
  41. . Booster 7 Rolled Out for Launch (we hope) October 8, 2022, retrieved 2022-10-12^
  42. . Ship 24 Stacked Onto Booster 7 October 12, 2022, retrieved 2022-12-09^
  43. . Full Stack Cryo Testing October 27, 2022, retrieved 2022-12-09^
  44. . Full Stack and Ship 25 Cryogenic Testing November 2, 2022, retrieved 2022-12-09^
  45. . Ship 24 Destacked from Booster 7 for Static Fire November 9, 2022, retrieved 2022-12-09^
  46. . Booster 7 Multi-Engine Spin Prime Test November 12, 2022, retrieved 2022-12-09^
  47. . Booster 7 14 Engine Static Fire November 14, 2022, retrieved 2022-12-09^
  48. . Booster 7–13 Second Static Fire Test November 29, 2022, retrieved 2022-12-09^
  49. Jeff Foust. SpaceX completes Starship wet dress rehearsal SpaceNews, 2023-01-24, retrieved 2023-01-28^
  50. Kenneth Chang. SpaceX Test Fires 31 Engines on the Most Powerful Rocket Ever The New York Times, 2023-02-09, retrieved 2023-02-09^
  51. SpaceX – Updates SpaceX, retrieved 2024-05-10^
  52. Booster 8 is fully stacked! retrieved 2022-08-11^
  53. Zack Golden. How To Prevent Raptors From Destroying SuperHeavy CSI Starbase, November 24, 2023, retrieved 2024-02-09^
  54. NASASpaceflight. Booster 9 Rolls Out With All New Design 2022-12-16, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  55. NASASpaceflight. Booster 9 Undergoes Cryogenic Proof Testing 2022-12-22, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  56. . SpaceX Rolls Starship Booster 9 to Launch Site at Starbase NASASpaceflight, July 20, 2023, retrieved 2023-07-20^
  57. NASASpaceflight. Booster 9 Fully Loaded! 2023-07-26, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  58. NASASpaceflight. Booster 9 Passes its First Test on the OLM! 2023-08-05, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  59. NASASpaceflight. Did the Deluge Work? SpaceX Booster 9 Static Fire - Starship Super Heavy 2023-08-06, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  60. NASASpaceflight. Booster 9 Receives Its Hot Staging Ring 2023-08-19, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  61. NASASpaceflight. Booster 9 Rolled Out for Launch 2023-08-23, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  62. NASASpaceflight. Say Goodbye to the Mid Bay! 2023-08-30, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  63. Ryan Weber. SpaceX gearing up for a possible WDR as it waits for regulatory approval NASASpaceFlight.com, 2023-10-15, retrieved 2025-02-28^
  64. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Full Stack Testing at Starbase - Starship 25 on Booster 9 2023-10-22, retrieved 2025-02-28^
  65. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Performs Wet Dress Rehearsal of Second Starship Flight Stack 2023-10-24, retrieved 2025-02-28^
  66. . SpaceX Launches Second Starship Flight Test NASASpaceflight, November 18, 2023, retrieved 2023-11-30^
  67. NASASpaceflight. Booster 10 Fully Stacked! 2023-03-24, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  68. NASASpaceflight. Booster 9 Ready for Raptor Engine Testing 2023-07-23, retrieved 2025-03-01^
  69. NASASpaceflight. Booster 10 Proof Testing Completed 2023-09-20, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  70. NASASpaceflight. Booster 9 Hotstage Ring Removed 2023-09-23, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  71. NASASpaceflight. Ship 28 Completes Critical Test Fire 2023-12-21, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  72. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Static Fire Double Header 2023-12-29, retrieved 2025-03-01^
  73. NASASpaceflight. Booster 10 Rolled Back for Final Launch Checks 2024-01-03, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  74. NASASpaceflight. Booster 10 Lifted onto the OLM for Launch Preparations 2024-02-10, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  75. NASASpaceflight. The Full Starship Stack is Back and Ready For Testing 2024-02-14, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  76. NASASpaceflight. Crucial Starship Pre-Launch Test Aborted Twice 2024-02-17, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  77. NASASpaceflight. Final Preparations Before Launch 2024-03-10, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  78. NASASpaceflight. Starship is Ready for Launch 2024-03-12, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  79. SpaceX – Updates May 24, 2024, retrieved May 24, 2023^
  80. . SpaceX Launches Third Starship Flight Test NASASpaceflight, March 14, 2024, retrieved 2024-03-14^
  81. . Make Way! Starbase Demolitions Clear Room for Starfactory June 7, 2023, retrieved 2023-06-08^
  82. NASASpaceflight. Starship Stacked and then Destacked 2023-10-18, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  83. NASASpaceflight. The OLM Survived Starship's Second Flight 2023-11-22, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  84. NASASpaceflight. Starship Development Prototypes Spotted at Starbase 2024-04-06, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  85. SpaceX Static Fires Booster 11 NASASpaceflight, 2024-04-05, retrieved 2024-04-05^
  86. NASASpaceflight. Preparing for Flight 4 Full Stack 2024-04-10, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  87. NASASpaceflight. Booster 11 Lifted Onto the OLM for Pre-Launch Testing 2024-05-12, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  88. SpaceX Rolls Out Booster 11 for Fourth Starship Flight Test Campaign NASASpaceflight, 2024-05-10, retrieved 2024-05-11^
  89. NEW Static Fire Stand Testing - Ship 26 At Massey's! RGV Aerial Photography, 2024-05-11, retrieved 2024-05-11^
  90. SpaceX Tests the Full Stack of the Fourth Starship Flight Test NASASpaceflight, 2024-05-16, retrieved 2024-05-16^
  91. SpaceX Performs Wet Dress Rehearsal of Fourth Starship Flight Stack NASASpaceflight, 2024-05-20, retrieved 2024-05-20^
  92. SpaceX Performs Second Wet Dress Rehearsal of Fourth Starship Flight Stack NASASpaceflight, 2024-05-28, retrieved 2024-05-28^
  93. NASASpaceflight. Flight Termination Charges Installed for Starship Flight 4 2024-06-01, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  94. NASASpaceflight. Ship 26 Conducts First Static Fire on New Stand 2024-06-04, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  95. Starship Flight 4 SpaceX, retrieved 2024-06-06^
  96. Q&A with CSI Starbase CSI Starbase, September 22, 2024, retrieved September 23, 2024^
  97. Elon Musk. Starship Super Heavy Booster Flight 4 September 22, 2024, retrieved September 22, 2024^
  98. Can SpaceX Catch a Starship Super Heavy? (Like Falcon 9?) NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-10, retrieved 2024-10-11^
  99. NASASpaceflight. Launch Site Readied for Flight 3 2024-01-14, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  100. . Booster 12 Rolled Into Mega Bay 1 for Raptor Installation January 24, 2024, retrieved 2024-01-24^
  101. Booster 12 Placed on the Orbital Launch Mount for Testing NASASpaceflight, 2024-07-10, retrieved 2024-07-10^
  102. NASASpaceflight. Booster 12 Conducts First Super Heavy Spin Prime Since Booster 9 2024-07-14, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  103. SpaceX Tests Starship Super Heavy Booster 12 - Engine Testing NASASpaceflight, 2024-07-12, retrieved 2024-07-12^
  104. SpaceX Booster 12 Static Fire - SOUND ON NASASpaceflight, 2024-07-15, retrieved 2024-07-16^
  105. SpaceX Rolls Back Booster 12 after Static Fire Test NASASpaceflight, 2024-07-16, retrieved 2024-07-16^
  106. Ryan Weber. Flight 5 and 6 Preparations Underway as SpaceX reveals Raptor 3 NASASpaceFlight.com, 2024-08-09, retrieved 2024-08-09^
  107. SpaceX Stacks Ship 30 on Booster 12 NASASpaceflight, 2024-09-21, retrieved 2024-09-21^
  108. SpaceX Tests the Stack for the Fifth Flight of Starship - Booster 12 and Ship 30 NASASpaceflight, 2024-09-23, retrieved 2024-09-23^
  109. SpaceX Tests the Stack for the Fifth Flight of Starship - Booster 12 and Ship 30 NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-07, retrieved 2024-10-07^
  110. FTS Installed Before Launch & Potential Catch NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-11, retrieved 2024-10-11^
  111. FTS Installed, and TFR Posted! NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-10, retrieved 2024-10-10^
  112. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Prepared for Upcoming Starship Flight 5 2024-10-08, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  113. SpaceX Launches Starship Flight 5 (and Catches A Booster) NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-13, retrieved 2024-10-13^
  114. Chris Bergin. Booster 12 has been returned to the Orbital Launch Mount (OLM), and the Booster Stand is staged down Highway 4. October 13, 2024, retrieved October 13, 2024^
  115. Elon Musk. Just inspected the Starship booster, which the arms have now placed back in its launch mount. Looks great! October 13, 2024, retrieved October 13, 2024^
  116. Booster 12 Gets Hero's Return for Post Catch Inspections! NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-16, retrieved 2024-10-16^
  117. Kevin Reed. BREAKING NEWS: Possible Starship Salvage Operation Underway off Coast of Mexico NASASpaceFlight.com, 2025-07-18, retrieved 2025-07-18^
  118. New Starship Block 2 Cryo Proof Tested NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-31, retrieved 2024-10-31^
  119. A Day to Launch - Everything you Need to Know! - Countdown to Launch XXL NASASpaceflight, 2024-11-18, retrieved 2024-11-18^
  120. NASASpaceflight. Orbital Launch Pad Prepared for Starship Flight 3 2024-02-07, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  121. NASASpaceflight. Booster QD Cover Reinstalled, GSE Tested 2024-04-27, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  122. Coming Soon: Starship Propellant Transfer Demos NASASpaceflight, 2024-04-29, retrieved 2024-04-29^
  123. NASASpaceflight. Booster 13 Conducts Cryo Proof Testing at the Massey Outpost 2024-05-01, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  124. SpaceX Rolls Booster 13 to the Launch Site NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-22, retrieved 2024-10-22^
  125. SpaceX Static Fires Super Heavy Booster 13 for Starship Flight 6 NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-24, retrieved 2024-10-24^
  126. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX's Next-Gen Starship Rolls Out 2024-10-28, retrieved 2025-03-03^
  127. SpaceX Rolls Booster 13 to the Launch Site NASASpaceflight, 2024-11-13, retrieved 2024-11-14^
  128. SpaceX Stacks Ship 31 on Booster 13 NASASpaceflight, 2024-11-14, retrieved 2024-11-15^
  129. Ryan Weber. SpaceX prepare for Starship Flight 6, another Booster catch and a daylight Ship splashdown NASASpaceFlight.com, 2024-11-18, retrieved 2024-11-18^
  130. SpaceX Tests the Stack for the Sixth Flight of Starship - Booster 13 and Ship 31 NASASpaceflight, 2024-11-17, retrieved 2024-11-17^
  131. Starship's Sixth Flight Test SpaceX, November 19, 2024, retrieved November 19, 2024^
  132. SpaceX Launches Starship Flight 6 (Booster Catch Aborted) NASASpaceflight, 2024-11-19, retrieved 2024-11-19^
  133. Stephen Clark. Rocket Report: Channeling the future at Wallops; SpaceX recovers rocket wreckage Ars Technica, 2025-07-25, retrieved 2025-07-25^
  134. Super Heavy booster for Flight 4 moving to the pad at Starbase retrieved May 11, 2024^
  135. Humans for Scale - Starship Flight 5 Preps Continue NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-05, retrieved 2024-10-05^
  136. Marcus House. Vulcan Booster Fail, yet Still Completed Mission, and SpaceX Starship Flight 5 in Only Days!? 2024-10-05, retrieved 2024-10-05^
  137. Chris Bergin. As Ship 30 prepares to be restacked with Booster 12 October 5, 2024, retrieved October 5, 2024^
  138. SpaceX Prepared for Upcoming Starship Flight 5 NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-08, retrieved 2024-10-08^
  139. SpaceX Rolls Booster 14 to the Launch Site NASASpaceflight, 2024-12-05, retrieved 2024-12-06^
  140. SpaceX Tests Booster 14 - Spin Prime NASASpaceflight, 2024-12-07, retrieved 2024-12-07^
  141. SpaceX Static Fires Super Heavy Booster 14 for Starship Flight 7 NASASpaceflight, 2024-12-09, retrieved 2024-12-09^
  142. Ryan Weber. Ship 33 prepares for engine testing, Booster 14 Completes Static Fire NASASpaceFlight.com, 2024-12-10, retrieved 2024-12-10^
  143. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Rolls out Booster 14 2024-12-30, retrieved 2024-12-30^
  144. Elon Musk. Good observation January 2, 2025, retrieved January 2, 2025^
  145. NASASpaceflight. Coming Up On Starship Flight 7 2025-01-04, retrieved 2025-01-05^
  146. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Stacks Ship 33 on Booster 14 + New Glenn Goes Vertical! 2025-01-09, retrieved 2025-01-10^
  147. Stephen Clark. Rocket Report: China launches refueling demo; DoD's big appetite for hypersonics Ars Technica, 2025-01-10, retrieved 2025-01-10^
  148. NASASpaceflight. Starship Wet Dress Rehearsal ft. The Flame Trench 2025-01-09, retrieved 2025-01-10^
  149. NASASpaceflight. Testing Complete! Starship Tested & Destacked Before Flight 7 2025-01-11, retrieved 2025-01-12^
  150. NASASpaceflight. Starship's Big Day: Flight 7 Countdown and New Tech Unveiled 2025-01-13, retrieved 2025-01-14^
  151. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Launches Starship Flight 7 and Attempts Another Booster Catch 2025-01-09, retrieved 2025-01-17^
  152. NASASpaceflight. The Starbase That Never Sleeps 2025-01-19, retrieved 2025-01-20^
  153. Booster 14 returns to the launch site ahead of its Static Fire. This will be the first time a Flight proven Super Heavy Booster returns to launch site for its 2nd flight campaign! Twitter, April 1, 2025, retrieved April 1, 2025^
  154. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Performs Static Fire of Flight-Proven Super Heavy Booster 2025-04-03, retrieved 2025-04-03^
  155. Stephen Clark. SpaceX just took a big step toward reusing Starship's Super Heavy booster Ars Technica, 2025-04-03, retrieved 2025-04-03^
  156. NASASpaceflight. Post Static Fire, Booster 14 Rolls Back for More Preps 2025-04-09, retrieved 2025-04-10^
  157. NASASpaceflight. "They're Moving Pretty Quickly There" 2025-04-19, retrieved 2025-04-20^
  158. NASASpaceflight. Booster 14-2 Rolls to Launch Pad & Falcon 9 Launches Starlink 6-83 Mission 2025-05-12, retrieved 2025-05-14^
  159. NASASpaceflight. "What in the heck are they up to now?" 2025-05-17, retrieved 2025-05-18^
  160. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Rolls Out Booster 14-2 Ahead of Starship Flight 9 2025-05-12, retrieved 2025-05-25^
  161. NASASpaceflight. Booster is Back, Ship Remains to be Stacked - Countdown to Launch 2025-05-25, retrieved 2025-05-26^
  162. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Starship Flight 9 2025-05-21, retrieved 2025-05-27^
  163. Starship's Eighth Flight Test SpaceX.com, 2025-02-24, retrieved 2025-02-24^
  164. Zack Golden. First upgraded aft section spotted for Booster 15! Internal COPVs for the landing tank are a very interesting upgrade. July 23, 2024, retrieved July 24, 2024^
  165. NASASpaceflight. Starship READY for 2025: Flight 7 Updates, Pad B Progress, and a Festive Farewell 2024-12-23, retrieved 2024-12-24^
  166. NASASpaceflight. This Is How It Ends. That's Going To Do It. 2024-12-31, retrieved 2025-01-01^
  167. NASASpaceflight. Booster 15 Ready For Testing Ahead of Starship Flight 8 2025-02-08, retrieved 2025-02-09^
  168. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Performs Testing with Booster 15 for Starship Flight 8 2025-02-09, retrieved 2025-02-09^
  169. NASASpaceflight. "I Promise You Starbase Did Not Explode" 2025-02-12, retrieved 2025-02-13^
  170. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Rolls Booster 15 Ahead of Flight 8 2025-02-24, retrieved 2025-02-25^
  171. NASASpaceflight. The Stacking of Ship 34 and Booster 15 - Countdown to Launch 2025-03-02, retrieved 2025-03-02^
  172. Jackie Wattles. SpaceX calls off attempt to launch Starship's 8th test flight CNN, 2025-03-03, retrieved 2025-03-04^
  173. Starship Flight 8: Ship 34 destack. Twitter, March 4, 2025, retrieved March 4, 2025^
  174. NASASpaceflight. Stack Aborted! Starship Loses Part During Stacking - Countdown to Launch 2025-03-05, retrieved 2025-03-05^
  175. Starship's Eighth Flight Test SpaceX, February 24, 2025, retrieved March 6, 2025^
  176. NASASpaceflight. The One that Came Back - Booster 15 Returns as Pad B Shapes Up 2025-03-13, retrieved 2025-03-14^
  177. NASASpaceflight. Flown Space Hardware is Beautiful (Infrastructure, Too) 2025-03-20, retrieved 2025-03-21^
  178. NASASpaceflight. Starship Flight 11 Preps Begin! 2025-09-08, retrieved 2025-09-09^
  179. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Performs Final Booster Static Fire on Pad 1 2025-09-07, retrieved 2025-09-07^
  180. NASASpaceflight. Flight 11: SpaceX isn't Playing Around 2025-09-11, retrieved 2025-09-11^
  181. SpaceX Rolls Booster 15-2 to Starbase Pad 1 for Flight 11 retrieved 2025-10-08^
  182. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Rolls and Stacks Starship 38 for Launch 2025-10-10, retrieved 2025-10-11^
  183. The first section of B16 was spotted being moved from one part of Starfactory to another. October 15, 2024, retrieved October 15, 2024^
  184. Flight 6 Preps Underway NASASpaceflight, 2024-10-21, retrieved 2024-10-22^
  185. NASASpaceflight. From Pad A Repairs to Pad B's Chopsticks: A Week at Starbase 2025-01-28, retrieved 2025-01-29^
  186. Elisar Priel. Starship Booster 16 got to work quickly after arriving to Massey's early in morning performing a multi hour partial cryo test well into the night. Next up should be a full cryo test before returning home to Mega Bay 1 for some engines. Twitter, March 1, 2025, retrieved March 1, 2025^
  187. NASASpaceflight. The Final Days of the Starbase High Bay 2025-03-23, retrieved 2025-03-24^
  188. Starship Flight 10: Just a week after Booster 14-2 launches from Pad A during Flight 9, Booster 16 is being lifted atop the OLM ahead of its Static Fire test, currently expected to be Thursday. Twitter, June 4, 2025, retrieved June 4, 2025^
  189. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Performs Static Fire of Booster 16 for Starship Flight 10 2025-06-05, retrieved 2025-06-05^
  190. NASASpaceflight. Second Attempt: SpaceX Performs Static Fire of Booster 16 for Starship Flight 10 2025-06-06, retrieved 2025-06-06^
  191. Elisar Priel. Four Days after it departed for its successful static fire test, Starship B16 has returned to Mega Bay 1, for the next stage in the preflight preparations ahead of flight 10, potentially as soon as later this month. Twitter, June 8, 2025, retrieved June 8, 2025^
  192. Jack Beyer. Booster 16 Hot Stage Ring in the ringyard! The pieces continue to fall into place ahead of Starship flight 10. Twitter, June 16, 2025, retrieved June 16, 2025^
  193. NASASpaceflight. Another Starship Explosion—How Long Before We're Back? 2025-06-23, retrieved 2025-06-24^
  194. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Rolls and Stacks Starship 37 for Launch 2025-08-23, retrieved 2025-08-24^
  195. NASASpaceflight. SCRUB: SpaceX Starship Flight 10 2025-08-24, retrieved 2025-08-25^
  196. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Starship Flight 10 - Second Attempt 2025-08-24, retrieved 2025-08-26^
  197. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Starship Flight 10 - Third Attempt 2025-08-25, retrieved 2025-08-27^
  198. NASASpaceflight. Final Preparations For Starship Flight 7 2025-01-08, retrieved 2025-01-09^
  199. NASASpaceflight. Post Static Fire, Booster 14 Rolls Back for More Preps 2025-04-09, retrieved 2025-04-10^
  200. NASASpaceflight. Flame Buckets Rollout - STARGATE Goes Bye Bye 2025-04-13, retrieved 2025-04-13^
  201. NASASpaceflight. Starship Flight 9 Preps, Chopstick Testing, and Pad B Progress 2025-04-21, retrieved 2025-04-22^
  202. Ryan Weber. The Future of the Starship Program, Block 3 and Mars NASASpaceFlight.com, 2025-05-30, retrieved 2025-05-30^
  203. NASASpaceflight. A new Booster Common dome section has rolled into Mega Bay 1 following a Quad ring section last week. This could be the start of the first Block 3 Booster, possibly Booster 18. via Twitter (X), May 19, 2025, retrieved May 19, 2025^
  204. Ryan Weber. Starship Block 3 and HLS: The path to get back to the Moon NASASpaceFlight.com, 2025-11-01, retrieved 2025-11-20^
  205. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX rolls The FIRST Starship Block 3 Booster 18 to Masseys 2025-11-18, retrieved 2025-11-20^
  206. Eric Berger. Newest Starship booster is significantly damaged during testing early Friday Ars Technica, 2025-11-21, retrieved 2025-11-21^
  207. SpaceX. Stack complete X (formerly Twitter), December 24, 2025, retrieved December 31, 2025^
  208. Ryan Weber. Booster 19 stacking begins as SpaceX pushes forward from B18 anomaly NASASpaceFlight.com, 2025-11-28, retrieved 2025-12-09^
  209. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX rolls Flight 12 Booster 19 to Masseys 2026-01-30, retrieved 2026-02-01^
  210. NASASpaceflight. Super Heavy Testing Begins! SpaceX Back on Track After B18 Disaster 2026-02-03, retrieved 2026-02-04^
  211. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX returns Flight 12's Booster 19 to Production Site 2026-02-09, retrieved 2026-02-09^
  212. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX rolls Flight 12's Booster 19 to Pad 2 2026-03-08, retrieved 2026-03-08^
  213. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX conducts Booster 19 testing on Pad 2 2026-03-09, retrieved 2026-03-10^
  214. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX conducts more Booster 19 testing on Pad 2 - Day 2 2026-03-10, retrieved 2026-03-12^
  215. NASASpaceflight. Sparks from Booster 19 (is fire next?) 2026-03-15, retrieved 2026-03-16^
  216. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Booster 19 testing on Pad 2 - Potential Static Fire 2026-03-12, retrieved 2026-03-16^
  217. Initial Super Heavy V3 and Starbase Pad 2 activation campaign complete, wrapping up several days of testing that loaded cryogenic fuel and oxidizer on a V3 vehicle for the first time. While the 10-engine static fire ended early due to a ground-side issue, we saw successful startup on all installed Raptor 3 engines. Next up: preparing the booster for a 33-engine static fire Twitter, March 18, 2026, retrieved March 18, 2026^
  218. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX rolls back Booster 19 from Pad 2 2026-03-16, retrieved 2026-03-18^
  219. Elisar Priel. SpaceX taking full advantage of the 2 for 1 rollout special today at Starbase rolling Starship Booster 19 back out to Launch Pad 2, this time we a full set of Raptor 3 Engines, for the next phase of pad and vehicle certification. Twitter, April 11, 2026, retrieved April 11, 2026^
  220. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX conducts preflight Booster 19 testing on Pad 2 2026-04-11, retrieved 2026-04-12^
  221. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX conducts Booster 19 testing on Pad 2 - Day 2 2026-04-13, retrieved 2026-04-13^
  222. NASASpaceflight. SpaceX Conducts Booster 19 Static Fire 2026-04-15, retrieved 2026-04-16^
  223. Laying the groundwork for Super Heavy amid Raptor Ramp Up NasaSpaceflight.com, 30 May 2021, retrieved May 6, 2023^
  224. Hot-Staging Ring Ready For Action! RGV Aerial Photography, August 22, 2023, retrieved 2023-08-22^
  225. SpaceX Tests Chopstick System for Catch Using B14.1 NASASpaceflight, 2024-06-26, retrieved 2024-06-26^
  226. Unusual Starship V2 Hardware Spotted NASASpaceflight, 2024-08-18, retrieved 2024-08-18^
  227. NASASpaceflight. Booster 14 Fires Again! First Static Fire of a Reused Super Heavy 2025-04-07, retrieved 2025-04-07^
  228. This afternoon the BN2.1 test tank is ready to roll to the pad at SpaceX Starbase.^
  229. Super Heavy Test Tank Cryogenic Proof Test NASASpaceflight, 8 June 2021, retrieved 22 August 2021^
  230. Super Heavy Test Tank Cryogenic Proof Test #2 NASASpaceflight, 17 June 2021, retrieved 22 August 2021^
  231. Test Tank B2.1 has decided it's time to get frosty. 1 December 2021^
  232. Bergin. Test Tank B2.1 is undergoing more testing today, supplied by the Orbital Launch Site's Tank Farm on what is a very foggy morning retrieved 3 December 2021^
  233. . Starlink Loader Moved Into Potential Clean Room July 19, 2022, retrieved 2022-07-22^
  234. . B7.1 Test Tank Tested June 28, 2022, retrieved 2022-07-22^
  235. . Ship 24 Raptor Engines Tested with Two Spin Primes July 22, 2022, retrieved 2022-07-25^
  236. . Marcus House. SpaceX Starbase Pad Ripped Apart and Massive Site Changes Coming! December 16, 2023, retrieved 2023-12-16^
  237. NASASpaceflight. First Hot Staging Ring Rolled Out for Testing 2023-08-03, retrieved 2025-03-04^
  238. New Hot Staging test section rolled out today. Label on it says "Hot Stage Load Head". retrieved 2023-12-13^
  239. Image Taken: August 7, 2023 retrieved 2023-12-13^
  240. . S26: Launch or Scrap?! RGV Aerial Photography, 2023-11-02, retrieved 2023-12-19^
  241. . SpaceX Revving Up for Starship Flight 3: January 29, 2024, retrieved 2024-01-29^
  242. Starbase Tower 2 Foundations RGV Aerial Photography, 2024-05-29, retrieved 2024-05-30^
  243. New Ablative Material Spotted on Ship 30 NASASpaceflight, 2024-06-22, retrieved 2024-06-22^
  244. Starbase Live: 24/7 Starship & Super Heavy Development From SpaceX's Boca Chica Facility NASASpaceflight, 2021-07-12, retrieved 2024-06-22^
  245. Alejandro Romera. Shortly after this SpaceX performed another slap but this time higher than the slaps from yesterday. They've done that now two times, this is video of that second time. The chopsticks have gone down since and they may be slapping lower like yesterday. retrieved June 27, 2024^
  246. Niall Anderson. SpaceX have been spending the last couple hours squeezing B14.1 August 15, 2024, retrieved August 16, 2024^
  247. B14.1 has had the bottom section cut free in High Bay. It was then lifted and moved out of view. Seen reflected in the windows of Starfactory. January 11, 2025, retrieved January 11, 2025^
  248. NASASpaceflight. Post Static Fire, Booster 14 Rolls Back for More Preps 2025-04-09, retrieved 2025-04-10^
  249. NASASpaceflight. Ship 35 Drama Continues + New Orbital Launch Mount Rolls Out! 2025-05-12, retrieved 2025-05-12^
  250. NASASpaceflight. OLM awaits installation on Pad B, TT17 on show 2025-05-10, retrieved 2025-05-11^
  251. NASASpaceflight. "Starbase Flyover, as a treat" 2025-09-20, retrieved 2025-09-21^
  252. Chris Bergin. Eye on the future, as SpaceX prepare Pad 2 and Block 3 at Starbase NASASpaceFlight.com, 2025-09-09, retrieved 2025-09-15^