As the maiden launch of Starship Super Heavy grows closer with further progress at Starbase in recent days, several milestones remain prior to lift-off.

Recent Starship Milestones

In recent days, installation of the orbital launch mount shielding panels has been completed. The shielding panels aim to provide increased protection of the launch mount whilst some sport an access hatch. This is to ensure workers can continue to access essential parts inside the launch mount. Work is likely to continue around here as SpaceX inches closer to the much-anticipated orbital flight.

In contrast to some expectations, Booster 7 was removed from the orbital launch mount. There was some concern this could result in a delay to an orbital flight or even a vehicle switch though this looks unlikely. Booster 7 currently remains at the orbital launch site, and it would seem a dismount only took place to allow further work to take place on the launch mount. Once the work is complete, Booster 7, via the chopsticks, will be lifted back onto the launch mount and a full stack will likely follow.

Amongst other noticeable milestones, water deluge pipes have been delivered to the orbital launch site as work on a deluge system continues. This is required to limit damage to the pad infrastructure and also reduces sound, restricting any potential harm to the rocket.

Though the thermal protection system for Ship 24 was mostly complete for around a year, areas of the vehicle had been left uncovered. Over the last week, the last couple of tiles were installed onto Ship 24, marking another important milestone prior the upcoming orbital test flight. From Ship 24 to Ship 26, where the vehicle has now been moved to the rocket garden following its brief test campaign. After what appeared to be successful cryogenic proof testing, the vehicle was removed from suborbital Pad A and transported back to the production site. Ship 26 will likely be lifted onto a stand at the rocket garden soon.

Lately, workers have also been working on a new staircase at the orbital launch mount, engine installation onto Booster 9, and testing of a new lifting device. The rig will be capable of lifting Ships without lift points on the nosecone.

Future Starship Milestones

Both SpaceX and space enthusiasts alike are keenly awaiting the release of a FAA launch license which is required prior to Starship’s maiden orbital flight. The license could come over the next few weeks. In a recent tweet, Elon Musk said “assuming that takes a few weeks” when referring to a launch license. If this were to be the case, a launch in April appears possible.

Before a launch can take place, Ship 24 will need to be transported back to the launch site whilst Booster 7 placed onto the orbital launch mount. Only then will a full stack be possible and a path towards a launch date clearer.

Once the Ship 24, Booster 7 full stack returns, it is unknown how much more testing may occur. Potential testing could include another full wet dress rehearsal to verify that the vehicle is ready for launch.

An orbital test flight of Starship Super Heavy is currently set for no earlier than April.