This week in space news, hints suggest the first Version 3 Starship launch could happen in early March, with SpaceX actively testing water deluge systems and upgrading launch infrastructure at Pad 2. The company is also rapidly developing Pads 1 and 37 for a total of five active Starship launch sites by 2027. SpaceX conducted multiple Falcon 9 launches, including Starlink deployments and a GPS mission, some carrying Starship heat shield tiles for testing. They also introduced "Stargaze," a free Space Situational Awareness system leveraging Starlink's star trackers. Blue Origin revealed progress on its "Blue Docking System" and the ambitious TeraWave constellation while surprisingly announcing a two-year pause in New Shepard flights to focus on lunar programs. Rocket Lab successfully launched an Electron mission but faced a setback with its Neutron rocket's first-stage tank rupturing during testing, potentially delaying its debut to 2027. Finally, a NASA WB-57 aircraft made an emergency landing due to landing gear issues, though the crew is safe and other assets are available for future missions.
Overview of SpaceX Starship launch and engine array
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Starship Version 3 Launch Target and Pad 2 Development [0:00:00]
SpaceX has revealed hints pointing to an early March target for the debut launch of the Version 3 Starship. This ambitious timeline comes as significant activity is observed at Starbase.
The old Pad 1 is undergoing rapid upgrades, including pile drilling, rebar cage installation, and sheet pile deliveries.
It is anticipated that Pad 1 and a new pad at Space Launch Complex 37 will become operational around 2027, bringing SpaceX's active Starship launch pads from two to five.
Beyond the Version 3 design, SpaceX plans to stretch the Starship even further in a future Version 4.
Significant changes have been made to the vehicles since Version 2.
Vehicle summary table comparing Starship versions V1 to V4, including dimensions and capabilities.
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Navigational Lights and Stabilization Arms [0:03:36]
New lower-intensity red navigational lights have been briefly tested to protect local wildlife, replacing brighter white lights.
SpaceX proposal document to switch from white to red navigational lights to mitigate impact on local wildlife.
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The two stabilization arms on the tower were removed for an upgrade, aiming for larger arms with a higher range of motion for Pad 2.
Methane Tank Farm and Air Separation Unit (ASU) [0:04:13]
Retention pond walls and tank platforms have been removed to install new methane tanks into the farm, with foundation piles visible.
Aerial view of the Starbase methane tank farm area undergoing expansion with new foundation piles.
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Two new methane tanks are temporarily stored near the megabunker.
The Air Separation Unit is a highly active site, with large box pieces moved and lifted into place, awaiting extensive piping connections.
Large Air Separation Unit components being lifted by cranes at Starbase.
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Static Fire Stands and Starlink Loader Box [0:05:43]
The primary structure of the second Static Fire Stand at the Sanchez area is complete, with beams being fitted to support SPMTs and clamps for the ship.
The primary structure of the second Static Fire Stand at the Sanchez area.
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The first original static fire stand is ready for Ship 39 testing.
The Starlink loader box was moved out of the factory and features two prongs, suggesting an upgrade to a probe-and-drogue system for loading Version 3 Starlink satellites, potentially providing testing data for future ship-to-ship docking.
Starlink loader box showing prongs, indicating a possible probe-and-drogue loading system.
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Starfactory Activity and Booster Transport Test [0:07:49]
Ship 40, the second Version 3 ship, had its flaps worked on, then detached and tied shut, indicating readiness to move to Megabay 2 for stacking.
An empty Booster transport stand was rolled out to Pad 2 for fit testing, running synchronization tests with ground systems.
Empty Booster transport stand rolled out for fit testing under the new tower arms at Pad 2.
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Launched Wednesday from SLC-40 with Booster 1095 on its 5th flight/landing.
Landed on "Just Read the Instructions".
Stargaze Space Situational Awareness System [0:15:37]
SpaceX announced "Stargaze," a novel system using nearly 30,000 Starlink star trackers to collect orbital screening data.
This data will be made available free of charge to the satellite operator community to enhance safety and sustainability in low Earth orbit, significantly reducing collision risks.
Blue Origin unveiled a sneak peek of its "Blue Docking System" under flight conditions.
The system is designed to meet International Docking System Standard requirements and will be used on the Blue Moon MK2 Lunar Lander, the Orbital Reef commercial space station, and future vehicles.
Blue Origin's Blue Docking System undergoing flight condition simulations for testing.
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A New Glenn launch carrying AST SpaceMobile’s Block 2 BlueBird satellite is scheduled for late next month.
The first stage booster, "Never Tell Me The Odds," will be reused on its third ever launch.
The TeraWave project was announced, a space-based communications network of 5,408 satellites (5,280 LEO, 128 MEO).
This optically interconnected system aims to deliver up to 6 Terabits per second of connectivity to tens of thousands of government and enterprise users worldwide, with deployment starting in Q4 of next year.
Diagram of Blue Origin's TeraWave satellite constellation with LEO and MEO satellites and optical links.
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Rocket Lab successfully launched another Electron rocket from New Zealand, deploying NEONSAT-1A, an Earth observation satellite for monitoring natural disasters over the Korean peninsula.
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket launching from New Zealand for the "Bridging The Swarm" mission.
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Rocket Lab faced a setback when its first-stage tank ruptured during a hydrostatic pressure qualification test.
While a new first-stage tank is already being completed and development continues, the incident's impact on Neutron's debut launch is uncertain, with a potential slip to 2027.
Ruptured first-stage tank of the Rocket Lab Neutron rocket after a hydrostatic pressure qualification test.
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The aircraft made an emergency landing at Ellington Field, but the crew was reported safe.
NASA WB-57 aircraft after an emergency landing at Ellington Field due to landing gear issues, with a tweet confirming crew safety.
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Role in Space Missions and Future Support [0:21:08]
These aircraft are crucial for capturing spectacular views of rocket launches, landings, and thermal imagery during Starship and Crew Dragon re-entries.
It is unclear if the damaged aircraft is repairable.
For the upcoming Artemis II mission, NASA has confirmed other aerial assets like the Gulfstream V, Gulfstream III, and a U.S. Navy C-20 will provide imagery during key mission phases.
