Gary Zhou 
Key Points
- 😲 SpaceX moved Booster 9 to the Orbital Launch Mount.
- 🚀 This is the first time a booster has been joined with the launch pad since the April 20th Integrated Flight Test of Starship.
- 🧰 SpaceX has been busy with repairs and upgrades to the launch mount, orbital tank farm, and water deluge system.
- 💦 The water deluge system has been installed on the launch pad for testing.
- 📅 A potential full test of the water deluge system is scheduled for next week.
- 🛠️ SpaceX has made incredible progress in repairing and testing the launch mount and associated systems.
Yesterday, SpaceX successfully transported Booster 9 and later in the evening, hoisted the massive booster onto the Orbital Launch Mount.
This marks the first instance of a booster being integrated with the launch pad since the April 20th Integrated Flight Test of Starship. The duration of the booster’s stay atop the launch mount for its test campaign is yet to be determined. Ship 25 and Booster 9 are now both present at the launch site, coming together for testing since being selected for the next test in May.
Following the IFT test and its unplanned excavation, SpaceX has been working tirelessly to perform repairs and upgrades to the launch mount, orbital tank farm, and water deluge system. Although the area is still undergoing repairs, significant progress has been made, enabling SpaceX to commence testing Booster 9 in preparation for its upcoming flight test.
A notable addition to the launch pad is the newly installed water deluge system, featuring a steel plate with strategically placed holes to ensure broader water coverage. This powerful system, akin to a high-pressure shower head, was first tested on July 17th, with additional tests expected in the coming week. SpaceX has scheduled closures from the 23rd to the 25th and a potential static fire for Booster 9, indicating the ongoing preparations for its flight test in the near future.
Check out these amazing shots of the Booster 9 Raptor engines from Jack Beyer of NSF!
Despite the remaining work required before the flight test, SpaceX has made remarkable progress in repairing and initiating testing of the launch mount and its related systems.
Amidst these efforts, SpaceX conducted a successful cryogenic proof test for Booster 10 at the Masseys Test Facility, followed by the relocation of Ship 28 to Masseys for its own cryogenic proof test campaign. On another front, at the production site, Ship 27 has undergone significant changes as it was cut in half and is now slated for scrapping.
