SpaceX

Starbase activities (2024-07-11):

• Pad B: First tower section is installed (LabPadre, ViX). Crews working on bolts. NSF livestream, NSF timelapse, Starship Gazer photo 1, photo 2, DeffJeff timelapse, Cargile photo, Gomez timelapse, cnunez photo.
• B12 testing at Pad A: Tank farm starts up, Cowbell venting, frost on LOX tank, more cowbell venting. Tanking test, road is reopened open. Grid fin and ship quick disconnect are tested. NSF timelapse.
• Raptor work table moves towards Pad A.
• Build site: Another B15 forward section is staged outside Megabay 1.
• Road delays for tower segment transportation are posted for July 11th through 19th, all 22:00 to 03:00 the following day.

Other:

• BingoBoca posts some nice labelled maps from RGV Aerial flyovers.

Starbase activities (2024-08-24):

• Aug 23rd cryo delivery tally.
• Aug 23rd addendum: B14.1 is outfitted with two load point arms. S33 is connected to aft section and heads towards welding station. (LabPadre timelapse, Starship Gazer closeup)
• Not too much action reported on the 24th.
• Test Tank 16 still at Massey's. (cnunez, Gisler)
• Pad A: Work on chopsticks continues. (Gisler)
• RGV Aerial post photos of the build site and Pad B flame trench construction from their recent flyover.

Starbase activities (2024-08-22):

• Aug 21st cryo delivery tally. (Yes, 21st)
• Aug 21st addendum: Move video of ship quick disconnect extension and retraction tests. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Pad A: Chopsticks work continues. Nice clear photo of actuator pistons.
• Pad B: Load spreader disconnects from tower. Work on flame trench is under way. (ViX, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• S30 receives a Mechazilla decal. Unknown if B12 will receive one too. (LabPadre, Starship Gazer, Mary, Gisler (sort of))

This thread maybe, next thread definitely!

Starbase activities (2024-07-10):

• Jul 9th addendum (ViX, NSF, Doherty): Tank farm offload area is functional again, B12 is lifted onto launch mount, and booster transport stand returns to build site.
• Jul 9th cryo delivery tally.
• S31 moves back into Megabay 2. Ship is lifted from transport stand onto turntable.
• Pad B: Tower segment #1 moves towards the tower base. CC8800-1 crane is lowered, then raised. Load spreader is attached to tower segment.
• Build site morning video tour.
• Amended road closures for "non-flight testing" are posted, and the July 10th 12:00 to 00:00 closure is scheduled.
• Booster quick disconnect retracts from B12 (not B13). Some venting from B12, followed by road reopening.
• Two July 11th closures ranging from 08:00 to midnight are possible, and one July 12th closure from 08:00 to 00:00 is possible.

Other:

• Recent Starship Gazer videos on Tower B construction and S30 heat shield replacement.
• SpaceX publicly responds to a NYT article on the affects of Starbase on piping plover populations. It is somewhat unusual to see an official SpaceX social media account used in this manner. Anyone else remember any similar examples?

Starbase activities (2024-07-12):

• Jul 10th and 11th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, tower segment #2 rolls out to Pad B (LabPadre, NSF, ViX).
• More B12 testing today: Raptor work table moves away from Pad A, road is closed. Still plenty of scaffolding near B12, so static fire is unlikely.
• Tank farm is active (ViX, NSF), chine venting and more venting, launch mount venting and more venting, methane recondensers are active.
• B12 spin prime test (LabPadre, ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2). "Cowbell" venting also visible. Chopsticks lower.
• Ship quick disconnect and engine bay purge tests (LabPadre timelapse). SQD retracts and returns, engine bay purge test 1 and test 2, SQD test 2 (retract and return), SQD test 3 (retract and return)
• Build site video tour: Crews work on tower segments at Sanchez, car park painting continues.
• Massey's: Crews spotted at the top of a tower.
• Brownsville port: Final tower segment preparing for transport (Doherty, Gomez).
• Road closures for "non-flight testing" are posted for July 15th through 17th, all 06:00 to 18:00.

Other:

• FAA is assessing proposal to increase flight rate at Starbase up to 25 launches and landings per year.

Starbase activities (2024-08-06):

• Aug 5th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, S30 rolls out to Massey's. (LabPadre, ViX, tibininin, NSF, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3)
• Reconfiguration of the CC8800-1 crane is underway (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, NSF)
• cnunez posts an image of the build site.
• B14.1 is on the move, likely to the launch mount.

Starbase activities (2024-08-07):

• Aug 6th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, B14.1 rolls out to the launch site. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF)
• B14.1 is lifted onto the launch mount. (LabPadre 1, LabPadre 2, ViX, Mary, NSF, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• New entrance to launch site is under construction.
• CC8800-1 crane reconfiguration continues. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Starship Gazer, Gisler)
• S30 at Massey's. Tank farm venting, and spin prime completed.
• 2-hour road delay is posted for August 9th or 10th, for transport from Massey's to pad. (Return of S30?)
• Starkitty sighted :)

Starbase activities (2024-08-08):

• Aug 7th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, a 3 ring LOX section moves from Starfactory to MB2, and is mated with existing S33 nose. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Test tank 16 and a nosecone spotted in Starfactory. (ViX)
• CC8800-1 crane reconfiguration continues. Looks like it is nearing completion. (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, ViX 4, ViX 5, Roger S, ViX 6, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3)
• Office construction continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• NSF fly over Starbase, and note that SpaceX now has full access to the patch of land between Starfactory and the new offices.

Other:

• First Raptor 3 test fire (Elon 1, Elon 2, NSF)
• Frost comparison from TheSpaceEngineer.
• Gwynne fires a shot at Tory. You might even say she shot well.
• SpaceX states that IFT-5 vehicles are "ready to fly, pending regulatory approval".
• NSF summary reading between the lines.

Starbase activities (2024-08-20):

• Aug 19th cryo delivery tally.
• Aug 19th addendum: Video of S33 downcomer and jig entering Megabay 2. (ViX)
• In the morning, the LOX downcomer enters Megabay 2 as well. (ViX)
• Build site video tour.
• Construction on offices and connecting passageway to Starfactory continues, and the two structures are now connected. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• Pad A: A "burn plate" is lifted onto booster quick disconnect hood, and tower cladding is being added/replaced. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Pad B: Elevator sections 7 and 8 are lifted. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Crews are prepping tower module 9 for its upcoming lift. (Gisler)
• Tanks which arrived at Brownsville port on Aug 18th are arriving at Massey's. (LabPadre)
• Test Tank 16 still at Massey's.

Starbase activities (2024-08-19):

• Aug 18th cryo delivery tally.
• The 9th and final tower module arrives at Pad B. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF, Gisler 1, Gisler 2 (pulley closeup), Gisler 3, Hammer 1, Hammer 2)
• Pad B: The CC8800-1 crane is partially lowered for inspections, then raised back to vertical. (LabPadre 1, LabPadre 2)
• Pad A: Chopstick weld inspections continue, and "doubler plates" are installed. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Golden 1, Golden 2)
• Work on the ship quick disconnect continues.
• Construction on offices and connecting passageway to Starfactory continues. (cnunez, Gisler, RGV Aerial 1, RGV Aerial 2).
• Build site: Possible new design of a ship downcomer is spotted. (Golden)
• Massey's: Test Tank 16 is lifted into test stand/cage. (LabPadre, Mary)
• 1 hour road delay is posted for Aug 21st between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from pad to Sanchez.

McGregor activities (2024-08-19):

• Possible second Raptor 3 test fire, lasting 169 seconds, which matches full duration burn of Super Heavy. (NSF)

Starbase activities (2024-09-04):

• Sep 3rd cryo delivery tally.
• Sep 3rd addendum: Starhopper relocation timelapse. (ViX)
• Overnight, chopstick rails are tested again. (ViX)
• Chopsticks work continues. (cnunez) Ship lifting pin is reinstalled on the port-side chopstick. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Starboard-side pin may have been reinstalled. (ViX)
• Welding on chopstick bumpers. (Hammer)
• Documentary interview being filmed on chopsticks? (Hammer)
• Starhopper's new home. (ViX)
• SPMTs arrive at the build site, likely for S31.
• 2-hour road delay is posted for 2024-09-06 between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from Megabay to Massey's.

Starbase activities (2024-09-03):

• Sep 2nd cryo delivery tally.
• Starhopper is relocated from launch site to parking lot. (LabPadre, Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, Gomez 1, Gomez 2, Ramirez 1, Ramirez 2, Ramirez 3, Hammer, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF full livestream)
• Pad A: The LR11000 lifts and lowers scaffold basket. (ViX)
• Chopsticks work continues. Ship lifting pin arm is retracted. Landing rail and stick movement are tested.

Starbase activities (2024-07-14):

• Jul 13th cryo delivery tally.
• Pad B: Overnight, LTR 1220 crane lifts 2nd elevator section into tower.
• Pad A: Scaffolding is removed from launch mount. Movac trucks empty the retention pond and the detonation suppression system is tested. B12 static fire on Jul 15th seems possible.
• Build site: A Starship V2 nosecone rolls from Starfactory to the Highbay. Starship Gazer identifies it as S33.
• LabPadre comparison of Starship V1 vs V2.

Other:

• New Ringwatcher's article: What's New on Super Heavy Booster 12?
• Possible new design for launch mount hold-down arms is spotted at McGregor.

Starbase activities (2024-07-15):

• Jul 14th cryo delivery tally.
• B12 static fire: Sunrise and overpressure notice, NSF livestream. Road closed, tank farm spooling up, chopsticks raised, launch mount venting, prop load begins. Static fire occurs at 10:13, and lasts about eight seconds. (LabPadre, alternate angle, ViX, NSF, Gomez).
• NSF timelapse, Doherty photo, Doherty gif, SpaceX drone photos and videos.
• Build site: Ship transport stand enters Megabay 2. Cnunez posts an S30 tile progress photo.
• Pad B: Probable launch tower winch arrives.
• Brownsville Port: Chopstick rolls towards Starbase.
• Road delay posted for "transportation operations" for Jul 16th, 12:00 to 16:00, possibly for B12 rollback.

Starbase activities (2024-07-25):

• Jul 24th cryo delivery tally, ViX)
• Pad B: Tower segment #4 is stacked on Tower B. (LabPadre, ViX, Starship Gazer, NSF, Golden, cnunez 1, cnunez 2, cnunez 3, clwphoto1 1, clwphoto1 2, clwphoto1 3)
• Pad A: The LR11000 crane removes one of a recondensers and loads it onto a truck for transport. (ViX)
• S30 still at Massey's, pending static fire.
• Road delay for transportation operations is posted for Jul 25th 23:00 to Jul 26th 01:00.

Other:

• RGV Aerial post a recent photo of S33 in the Highbay, prior to its move to Megabay 2.

Starbase activities (2024-08-05):

• Aug 4 cryo delivery tally.
• Lowering of the CC8800-1 crane main boom is completed. (LabPadre, ViX, DeffGeff)
• Crane masts are lowered, and unreeved. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2, clwphoto1)
• Some sort of utility pole structure is erected.
• Static fire stand arrives at the build site and enters Megabay 2 (LabPadre, ViX).
• S30 is set for transport to Massey's, presumably to test the engine which was replaced.
• 2 hour road delay is posted for 2024-08-06 between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from production to Massey's.
• 1 hour road delay is posted for 2024-08-07 between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from production to pad.
• RGV Aerial post a recent photo of the entire area.

McGregor:

• SpaceX likely running Superheavy catch profiles. Relight test had a 3m 13s gap, same as B11 between boostback and landing burns.

Starbase activities (2024-07-16):

• Jul 15th cryo delivery tally.
• Jul 15th addendum: Booster transport stand moves toward Pad A. Booster quick disconnect retracts from B12.
• Overnight, a chopstick arrives at Sanchez.
• Pad B: In the early morning, module 2 is stacked on the tower, and the load spreader is removed. Media: LabPadre, ViX, NSF, Starship Gazer, Doherty, DeffGeff, cnunez, Hammer.
• Pad A: B12 is destacked (NSF livestream, Starship Gazer, NSF timelapse, Doherty), briefly repositioned on the transport stand, rolls to the build site (LabPadre, ViX, NSF, Doherty, cnunez), and enters Megabay 1.
• Transport stand for tower module 2 also rolls back (DeffGeff, Hammer).
• A grackle briefly blocks the view of the cryo deliveries.

Other:

• SpaceX headquarters are moving from Hawthorne to Starbase... due to a transgender protection law? I fail to see how this is relevant to the aerospace industry. Seems like it may have already been in the works for some time, as office construction is well under way.

Starbase activities (2024-08-31):

• Not too much action reported today.
• Chopsticks work continues. (NSF (lightning!))
• New attachments added onto Starhopper prior to potential relocation. (Mary, RGV Aerial, Hammer)
• RGV Aerial post recent photos of Test Tank 16 at Massey's, Rocket Garden (labelled), Pad A (chopsticks work), and Pad B (flame trench).

Other:

• New CSI Starbase episode: How To Prevent Raptors From Destroying Superheavy Pt.2

Starbase activities (2024-07-17):

• Jul 16th addendum: Starkitty sighted :)
• Jul 16th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, tower module 3 rolls out to Pad B. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF)
• Tower module rolls into position and the load spreader is attached in the around midday.
• At Pad B, a column to support the Drawworks flooring and an angled wall section are moved into place.
• Another elevator shaft section is installed in tower B, and the construction elevator is now operational.
• Pad A: The LR 11000 crane moves towards the launch mount.
• The remaining chopstick is preparing for transport from Brownsville Port to Starbase.

Starbase activities (2024-08-30):

• Aug 29th cryo delivery tally.
• Aug 29th evening addendum: S33 is moved to the centre work stand in Megabay 2. (cnunez closeup)
• Pad A: Chopsticks work continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• Construction of passageway between Starfactory and offices continues. (Gisler)
• Partially tiled nosecone in Starfactory has been turned around. (Gisler)
• B15 final forward section still outside Megabay 1.
• Zack Golden's thoughts on the upcoming booster catch tests. (TL;DR: "be patient")
• 1 hour road delay is posted for 2024-09-04 between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from pad to parking lot.

Starbase activities (2024-08-21):

• Aug 20th cryo delivery tally.
• Continuous flight auger drill moves from pad B to Sanchez. (ViX, Golden 1, Golden 2, Golden 3)
• Pad A: Ship quick disconnect is extended. All 3 bumper blocks are removed from both starboard and port chopsticks. Chopstick movement observed in the evening. Newly installed "acuter" (actuator) piston is spotted by Gisler.
• Pad B: The 9th and final tower module is stacked. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, NSF 4, NSF timelapse, NSF livestream, Golden, cnunez 1, cnunez 2, cnunez 3, Gisler 1 (pre-lift safety meeting), Gisler 2, Gisler 3, Gisler 4, Gomez 1, Gomez 2, clwphoto1, SpaceX)
• LR11000 crane is on the move.
• Massey's: The "can crusher" jig is placed on Test Tank 16. Horizontal tank 2 of 3 arrives from Brownsville port. (ViX, Gisler)
• Starkitty sighted :) (ViX 1, ViX 2)

Other:

• Compilation of Tower B stacking. (LabPadre)

Starbase activities (2024-07-27):

• Jul 25th and 26th cryo delivery tallies.
• Over night, a ship forward section (S33?) emerges from Starfactory and moves into Megabay 2.
• Following yesterday's static fire, S30 (not S31) moves from Massey's to Megabay 2. (ViX, Beyer, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Doherty, Gomez, TankWatchers, clwphoto1)
• S30 heat shield held up well during static fire.

Other:

• SpaceX post a slow-mo closeup of the S30 static fire, and confirm "full duration". DeffGeff syncs the video with audio.
• RGV Aerial post recent photos of Massey's, build site, and launch site.

Starbase activities (2024-09-30):

• Sep 29th cryo delivery update. (clarification)
• Pad A: Ship quick disconnect retracts from S30 (ViX, NSF), work platform deploys and ship ports are sealed, and work platform retracts.
• Ship quick disconnect arm retracts (ViX, NSF), and S30 is destacked from B12. (LabPadre, ViX, Starship Gazer, Priel, Beyer, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• S30 not "ready-to-roll". Purpose of destack is potentially for B12 access. (ViX)
• Load spreader arrives, the LR11000 crane rolls towards the launch mount, the load spreader is attached, and the hot stage ring is destacked from B12.
• Pad B: Safety netting removal begins. (ViX)
• Build site: More launch mount parts are delivered. (Beyer)
• Construction on passageway between Starfactory and offices continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3)
• Scaffolding has been erected around the chopsticks carriage destined for Pad B. (Gisler)
• 2-hour road delays are posted for Oct 2nd and 3rd between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from factory to Massey's.

McGregor:

• The longest duration Raptor engine test (897 seconds, ~15 minutes) is performed. (NSF)
• Previous record was 330 seconds, set on 2023-06-04.

Starbase activities (2024-07-13):

• Overnight, final tower segment moves from Brownsville Port to Sanchez (LabPadre, ViX, Doherty, NickyX, Gomez 1, Gomez 2).
• Jul 12th cryo delivery tally.
• Nighttime tanker convoy.
• Action at Megabay 2 (LabPadre, Ringwatchers). Likely a ship v2 test tank.
• Ship v2 payload section enters the Highbay (Starship Gazer, Ringwatchers).
• S30 heat shield replacement continues.
• Pad B: Load spreader detaches from tower segment #1 and attaches to tower segment #2 (Vix, NSF 1, NSF 2).
• Pad A: Chopsticks move to either side of B12 and are lowered. SQD arm swings in. Chopsticks, their arms wide. Scaffolding is being removed from the launch mount.
• RGV Aerial posts recent photos of office construction, Pad A, Pad B, and Massey's.

Starbase activities (2024-07-18):

• Jul 17th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, the remaining chopstick moves from Brownsville Port to Starbase. (LabPadre, ViX, Beyer, NSF)
• Also overnight, the second and third angled wall sections are lifted to Tower B.
• In the morning, tower module 3 is stacked. (LabPadre, ViX, DeffJeff, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, NSF timelapse, Beyer, Starship Gazer, Doherty, )
• Lifting jig disconnects from tower.
• A large spool of some sort (Drawworks cables?) heads towards launch site. (closeup)
• The chopsticks carriage is preparing for transport from Brownsville Port to Starbase. (Doherty, cnunez)

Other:

• New annotated Starbase maps from Boca Bingo.

Starbase activities (2024-07-20):

• Jul 19th cryo delivery tally.
• New ship lifting jig briefly hoisted to vertical for laser level check.
• Old ship lifting jig and ship static fire stand arrive at the build site (ViX, Doherty). Lifting jig hooks up to Megabay 2 bridge crane, and the jig transport stand departs.
• S30 moves from Highbay towards Megabay 2 (LabPadre, ViX)
• Cnunez posts a photo of the test tank at Massey's.
• Jul 20th cryo delivery tally.

Starbase activities (2024-07-21):

• Overnight, S30 is lifted onto static fire stand. (NSF, Starship Gazer)
• S30 moves to Massey's. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2)
• S30 at Massey's and closeups. (Starship Gazer 1, Starship Gazer 2, cnunez 1, cnunez 2)
• Cnunez also posts nighttime photos of Starfactory and office construction progress.
• Starkitty sighted :)

Other:

• New Ringwatchers article: Just Don't Melt: Flight 5's Upgraded Heat Shield
• RGV Aerial post recent photos of the launch site, build site, and Massey's.

Starbase activities (2024-07-19):

• Jul 18th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, chopsticks carriage moves from Brownsville Port to Sanchez. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF, Gomez, Beyer).
• Starship V2 test tank moves from Megabay 2 to Massey's. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, NSF 1, NSF 2).
• S30: Scaffolding has been removed from nosecone.
• New hardware spotted at build site. Possible ship lifting jig and stairs.
• A peek at the Pez ~~dispenser~~ loader inside the Starlink building.
• New road delays posted for "transportation operations" on Jul 21st (06:00 to 09:00 or 12:00 to 03:00) and for "operaciones de transporte" on Jul 22nd (00:00 to 03:00).

Edit: Pez loader, not dispenser.

Starbase activities (2024-08-27):

• Aug 26th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, three gas tanks were replaced on the chopsticks at Pad A. (ViX)
• In the morning, the ship quick disconnect is tested. (ViX, Gisler (humans for scale))
• At Pad A, the first new catch bumper block is installed onto the port-side chopstick, then removed, then reinstalled.
• At Pad B, a skate rail plate is lifted and lowered, likely for a fit check. Also visible in the timelapse are several crew lifts over at the Pad A chopsticks. (clwphoto1)
• Office construction continues. (Gisler)
• ENNEPS posts a timelapse compilation of Tower B stacking.
• Also the 5th anniversary of Starhopper's 150 metre flight.

McGregor activities (2024-08-27):

• Starship V2 methane header tank is spotted at McGregor.

Starbase activities (2024-07-24):

• Jul 23rd addendum: B15 aft section enters Megabay 1, and a pair of grid fins head towards Starfactory.
• Jul 23rd cryo delivery tally.
• S33 forward section emerges from the Highbay and moves to Megabay 2, likely in preparation for stacking.
• cnunez posts several photos: Pad B 1, Pad B 2, Pad B 3, office construction, Megabay 2.

Other:

• A doofus flies his drone over SpaceX property. If you ever visit Starbase (or any launch facility) don't be like this guy.

Starbase activities (2024-07-26):

• Overnight, tower module #5 arrives at pad B. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2)
• S31 is lifted onto transport stand. Raptor covers are on and payload door is open. (LabPadre, ViX, Golden)
• S31 then moves from Megabay 2 to Highbay. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• In the morning, S31 briefly emerges from the Highbay and retreats.
• S30 performs a static fire at Massey's: Frost ring, static fire: LabPadre, Gomez, ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2, Beyer, cnunez, Doherty, NickyX, clwphoto1, Ramirez.
• Road delays for transportation operations are posted:
  • Jul 27th 00:00 to 03:00 "from Massey's to production pad".
  • Jul 27th 12:00 to 15:00 or 21:00 to 00:00 "from Massey's to production pad".
  • Jul 29th 23:00 to 02:00 "from production to pad".

Starbase activities (2024-08-28):

• Aug 27th cryo delivery tally.
• Aug 27th addendum: 4 more catch bumper pads are installed on the port-side chopstick, bringing the total to 5.
• Starkitty spotted :)
• Pad A chopsticks work continues. (NSF, Gisler)
• Pad B flame trench work continues. (Gisler)
• Office construction continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3)
• Nice photo of the Rocket Garden and Sanchez site, with S??, S32, S26, S30, B14.1. (Hammer)
• Test Tank 16 is in the "can crusher" testing apparatus at Massey's. (Gisler)

Starbase activities (2024-08-02):

• Aug 1st cryo delivery tally.
• Build site: Another B15 forward section moves from Starfactory towards Megabay 1.
• Sanchez: S30 flap work continues. (Shaun Gisler)
• Office window installation continues. (Shaun Gisler)
• Pad A: Crews are reinforcing the chopsticks (ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3)
• Pad B: Elevator section is lifted into module 5. Module 6 is hooked up to the load spreader. (LabPadre, ViX, Shaun Gisler)
• Road delay for transportation operations "from Sanchez to Pad" is posted for Aug 4th from 00:00 to 03:00. ViX speculates on potential candidates for transport: B14.1, chopstick carriage, tower module 7 (tweet 1, tweet 2)

Other:

• Elon posts a photo of Raptor 3 SN1.
• Comparison of Raptor 1, 2, and 3.
• Abbey Road.

Starbase activities (2024-08-03):

• Aug 2nd cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, ship lifting jig enters Megabay 2. Another B15 3-ring section is moved to Megabay 1.
• Pad B: Module 6 is lifted. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2, Gisler)
• Load spreader is lowered. It is thought that the CC8800-1 crane needs to be reconfigured to allow stacking of the next tower module.
• Build site: S30 moves from Sanchez to Megabay 2, and is lifted onto the back left work stand. (LabPadre, ViX, Gisler, clwphoto1)
• R-Vac #398 is removed from S30, and #384 looks to be its replacement (LabPadre, ViX)
• Office window installation continues (Gisler)

Other:

• RGV Aerial post Aug 2nd photos of the launch site, Massey's, build site, Pad B, and S31 in the Highbay.

Starbase activities (2024-08-04):

• Aug 3rd cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, S33 common dome emerges from Starfactory and enters Megabay 2. Methane funnel has an interesting beehive shape. (LabPadre, ViX)
• S33 forward section is mated to the common dome. (LabPadre, ViX)
• R-Vac #398 (removed from S30) departs from Megabay 2.
• Pad B: Elevator section is lifted into module 6. (ViX, NSF, clwphoto1)
• CC8800-1 crane slews and is lowered in preparation for reconfiguration.

Starbase activities (2024-08-12):

• Aug 11th cryo delivery tally.
• Aug 11th addenda: Chopstick landing rails are tested, Starkitty is sighted :) (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Pad A: New gusset plates are added to launch tower. (LabPadre, ViX)
• Chopstick testing continues. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Pad B, CC8800-1 crane repairs: Replacement strut arrives. One strut is replaced, and re-reeving begins. Main boom is raised (NSF, ViX), auxiliary jib is added, block is installed and reeving is underway.
• Following the reconfiguration and repairs, the CC8800-1 crane rises fully. (LabPadre, ViX)
• Office building: Glass installation continues.
• Beyer posts a neat looping video of NSF's recent flyover of the launch site.
• cnunez posts a recent photo of a nosecone in Starfactory, and some closeups of the chopsticks and launch mount.
• 1 hour road delays are posted for Aug 13th, 14th, and 15th between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from Sanchez to pad, likely for tower modules.

Starbase activities (2024-08-13):

• Aug 12th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, tower module 7 moves from Sanchez to Pad B. (LabPadre, ViX, NSF, Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• CC8800-1 crane slews and picks up tower module load spreader. NSF post a timelapse of crane reconfiguration and repairs.
• Chopstick work continues.
• Lifting "squid" arrives at Megabay 2.
• S26 moves from Rocket Garden to Megabay 2. (LabPadre 1, LabPadre 2, ViX 1, ViX 2)
• A passageway is being constructed between Starfactory and the offices. Office construction continues.

Starbase activities (2024-08-14):

• Aug 13th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, R-vacs (#205, #212, and #202) are removed from S26. Slight trouble with one of the raptor transportation carts. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2, DeffGeff 1, DeffGeff 2)
• R-centers (#193, #198, and #195) are removed from S26.
• S30 has been labelled as S30. (LabPadre, ViX, Starship Gazer)
• S34 methane header tank is spotted. (Starship Gazer, NSF, Mary) ChameleonCircuit render and explanation.
• Pad A: Chopsticks testing continues.
• Pad B: Load spreader is attached to module 7. No lift yet. (ViX 1, ViX 2, NSF)

Starbase activities (2024-08-15):

• Aug 14th cryo delivery tally.
• Overnight, S26 moves from Megabay 2 to Rocket Garden. (ViX, NSF)
• Aug 15th is a busy day.
• Tower module 8 arrives at Pad B. (ViX, NSF)
• Tower module 7 is stacked and welded into place. (ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, NSF 4 (timelapse), NSF 5 (welding), DeffGeff, cnunez 1, cnunez 2, cnunez 3, cnunez 4, Gisler timelapse)
• S33 aft section (of the LOX tank) moves from Starfactory to Megabay 2.
• Office window installation is progressing.
• Header tank spotted on route from Harlingen Port to Starbase. (John Randolph)
• Pad A: Chopstick testing continues, likely to measure strain on the vehicle when squeezed. (LabPadre 1, LabPadre 2, ViX 1, ViX 2, NSF (real time), DeffGeff
• More chopstick tests: ViX 0, ViX 1, ViX 2, ViX 3, ViX 4, ViX 5, ViX 6, ViX 7, ViX 8
• Drone inspection during chopstick tests.
• 2 hour road delays are posted for Aug 17th and 18th between 00:00 and 03:00 for transport from production pad to Massey's.

Other:

• New Raptor tracking diagram from Ringwatchers.

Edit: Fixed incorrect road closure dates, and clarified S33 section.

Starbase activities (2024-08-18):

• Aug 17th cryo delivery tally.
• Aug 18th is a quiet day.
• Chopstick testing continues, specifically the rails. Sections of paint are stripped off to inspect welds. (LabPadre, ViX, Golden, cnunez, Gisler, Hammer)
• Ship quick disconnect in a sling. (Gisler, cnunez)
• Delivery of 3 tanks inbound for Brownsville port, likely destined for Massey's. (LabPadre, Golden)
• Delivery of 1 statue destined for unknown location. (Gomez, clwphoto 1, Hammer, ViX, background info)
• S30 still in rocket garden.

Starbase activities (2024-08-23):

• Aug 22nd cryo delivery tally.
• S33 aft section moves from Starfactory to Megabay 2, notably very little heat shielding. (LabPadre, ViX, Mary)
• Aft section is mated with rest of ship. (Starship Gazer, Golden)
• New stringers observed on the nose of S33. (Golden)
• Raptors #349, #373, #348 and #366 are delivered. (Mary)
• Pad B: The ~~LR11000~~ CC8800-1 crane working on assembly and installation of a catch net on Tower B. (ViX)
• Some large pipes are delivered. (clwphoto1)

Other:

• 1-hour reflight turnaround time for Starship is still the goal. Unclear if this is for the booster, the ship, or both. Booster would probably be easier.

Edit: Fixed incorrect crane at Pad B.

Starbase activities (2024-08-29):

• Aug 28th cryo delivery tally.
• Aug 28th evening addendum: Pad A chopstick rails are raised and lowered.
• In the morning, a curved reinforcement piece is installed on the top of the starboard chopstick.
• The 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th bumper pads are installed on the port chopstick. Bumper #12 is lifted but then lowered.
• In the afternoon, further chopstick and rail movements are observed.
• Starship Gazer photo of chopsticks work.
• Pad B: The CC8800-1 crane rolls away from the tower.
• Build site video tour. A new doorway is cut in Starfactory (closeup), and plants have been planted along the highway.
• The final forward section of B15 moves from Starfactory to Megabay 1.
• Closeup of new load points on B14.1. (Hammer)

Starbase activities (2024-09-01):

• Aug 30th addendum: B15 final forward section (part of the methane tank) moves to Megabay 2. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
• Chopsticks work continues. (cnunez)
• The full complement of 17 bumper pads on each chopstick has now been installed. (LabPadre 1, LabPadre 2)
• Scaffolding spotted on the exterior of Tower A. (clwphoto1 1, clwphoto1 2)
• Video tour of new hardware on Starhopper. (ViX)

Starbase activities (2024-09-02):

• Morning build site video tour.
• Chopsticks work continues. Ship lifting pins are tested. (LabPadre, ViX 1, ViX 2 (closeup), Hammer)
• Booster quick disconnect is tested. (ViX)
• RGV Aerial post another recent photo of Pad B construction.

Starbase activities (2024-09-06):

• No Sep 5th cryo delivery tally.
• Sep 5th addendum: Compilation timelapses of chopstick tests, including a full launch rehearsal from BQD retraction to chopsticks catch. (ViX, NSF 1, NSF 2) When the chopsticks are at the top of the tower, their momentum causes a noticeable amount of tower sway. (Anderson)
• Build site: Overnight, S31 moves to Massey's. (LabPadre, ViX, Starship Gazer photo, Starship Gazer video, NSF, NSF video, Beyer, Gisler, Doherty)
• Pad A: Chopsticks testing continues. Chopsticks close, landing rails rise, landing rails lower.
• Pad B: The CC8800-1 crane is laid down. (ViX, Hammer)
• Massey's: Crews were spotted at Test Tank 16. (Hammer)

Starbase activities (2024-09-05):

• Sep 4th cryo delivery tally.
• Build site: Overnight, ship test stand arrives at Megabay 2. Ship lifting jig enters Megabay 2 and is attached to bridge crane. (ViX)
• Counterweights are moved to the rear of the two SPMTs, which then transport S31 from Highbay to Megabay 2. Ship is then transferred from transport stand to test stand. (ViX 1 (Shadow is the black LTR1220), ViX 2, Starship Gazer, DeffGeff, cnunez, Gisler, Gisler (tile closeup), Hammer)
• Office and passageway construction continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• Pad A: Chopsticks work continues. Both ship lift pins are now installed. (ViX, Hammer)
• In the morning, chopsticks are raised.
• Simulated catch test. Ship quick disconnect swings away, chopsticks close. (LabPadre, ViX, Doherty)
• Landing rails are tested. (ViX)
• Additional chopstick testing. (ViX 1 (Shadow is the black LTR1220), ViX 2, ViX 3, ViX 4, NSF 1, NSF 2, Anderson (compilation))
• Chopsticks are lowered. (ViX)
• Launch mount has been repainted. (Starship Gazer)
• Massey's: Frost is observed on Test Tank 16. (ViX)

Starbase activities (2024-09-28):

• Pad A: S30 still stacked on B12, not launching. (Gisler, cnunez, clwphoto1)
• S30 missing a couple tiles. Possibly intentional like last time? (Gisler)
• S32 moves from the Rocket Garden. (Gisler)
• Work on the passage between Starfactory and offices continues. (Gisler, BocasBrain)
• Build site wide shot. (Gisler)

Maritime:

• Hos Ridgewind heads back out into the Gulf. (Cornwell)

Starbase activities (2024-09-29):

• Pad A: S30 still stacked on B12, still not launching yet. (Beyer, LabPadre, Ansuini, clwphoto1)
• S30 transport stand moves towards the launch mount. (ViX)
• Build site: New road markings are painted. (ViX)
• Second set of chopsticks are receiving the same reinforcements as the first set. (Anderson)
• S32, S26, and S20 are still in the Rocket Garden. (cnunez)
• RGV Aerial post recent photos of Sanchez, Massey's, launch site, B11 aft section, and Pad B flame trench construction.

Maritime:

• HOS Ridgewind is back at the B11 splashdown site. (Cornwell)

Other:

• Lewis Knaggs speculative renders of Pad B launch mount. Zack Golden's thoughts.

Starbase activities (2024-07-30):

• Jul 29th cryo delivery tally.
• Jul 29th addendum: Pez dispenser jig is removed from Megabay 2, likely indicating that dispenser installation on S33 is complete. Comparison photo.
• B15 forward dome emerges from Starfactory.
• Pad B: CC8800-1 crane load spreader is lowered. Crane is preparing to lift an elevator section.
• Pad A: Worker on a chopstick.
• S30 (I think) in the ~~Rocket Garden~~ at Sanchez, S31 in the Highbay. (Edit: S30 is at Sanchez, not the Rocket Garden.)
• Office window installation continues.
• Crab invasion continues. (NSF, clwphoto1 1, clwphoto1 2)

Other:

• TheSpaceEngineer posts a render of Starbase based on the recently released map from the FAA. (tweet 1, tweet 2)

Starbase activities (2024-09-25):

• B12 and S30 are still stacked at Pad A. (Starship Gazer)
• Booster alignment pins are removed. (Anderson 1, Anderson 2)
• SpaceX post a photo of technicians posing on the chopsticks. (alternate angle from Hammer)
• HOS Ridgewind arrives at Brownsville port. (LabPadre 1, LabPadre 2, Beyer 1, Beyer 2, NSF 1, NSF 2, NSF 3, Gisler 1, Gisler 2, Gisler 3, interstellargw, Jordan Guidry, Hammer)
• Roof of the passage between Starfactory and the new offices looks complete now. (Gisler)
• Road delay is posted for Sep 25th between 22:00 and 02:00 for transport from Brownsville Port to Massey's. (Offloading B11 remains?)

McGregor:

• Raptor tests continue. (NSF)

Starbase activities (2024-08-25):

• Aug 24th cryo delivery tally.
• Pad A: Chopstick work continues. Crews cut and remove both hard-stop points, which stop the arms from closing too much. (LabPadre, Niall Anderson)
• Pad B: The CC8800-1 continues lifting components for a catch net on Tower B. (ViX)
• Some gas tanks were removed from the Pad B chopsticks carriage stored at Sanchez the previous day. A similar tank was later removed from the Pad A chopsticks carriage. Possibly indicative of a hardware swap, though not conclusive. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
• cnunez posts recent progress on office construction, and a peek through the Starfactory windows.