The next Starship prototype for the flight would be Ship 28, and Booster 10 would be the Super Heavy prototype. Just yesterday, Booster 11 arrived at the Production Site after undergoing cryo testing at Masseys. It’s worth noting that Booster 10 has already passed this milestone and is “just” awaiting a Static Fire when the Orbital Launch Mount (OLM) is ready to host it. I anticipate that Booster 10 may be at the OLM within the next two weeks. SpaceX has promptly placed it onto the engine installation stand in MB.
As for Ship 28, heat shield tiles have already been installed, and it is now set to undergo a testing campaign. We might see SpaceX testing Ship 28 very soon, especially since they don’t need to prepare the suborbital pads for that. Testing could easily take place on one of the existing test stands.
In the meantime, refurbishments on the OLM and ground system are underway, and construction of the suborbital side wall is in progress. I’m curious if there will be any modifications to the ship or booster following the orbital flight of S25 and B7. SpaceX is currently analyzing the collected data, and we may see changes in the coming days.
Regarding the FAA’s involvement, after the orbital flight of S25 and Booster 9, the FAA shared, “A mishap occurred during the SpaceX Starship OFT-2 launch from Boca Chica, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 18. The anomaly resulted in a loss of the vehicle. No injuries or public property damage have been reported. The FAA will oversee the SpaceX-led mishap investigation to ensure SpaceX complies with its FAA-approved mishap investigation plan and other regulatory requirements.”
It appears to be primarily a SpaceX investigation with FAA oversight, presumably involving discussions and agreement on license requirements, restrictions, and offsets.
Elon Musk shared his timeline for OFT 3, stating, “Starship Flight 3 hardware should be ready to fly in 3 to 4 weeks. There are three ships in final production in the high bay (as can be seen from the highway).” These three ships are Ship 30, 31, and 32, currently undergoing preparation works inside the high bay.
Credit:
Starship Gazer
LabPadre
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