SpaceX completed three static fire tests in eight days for Starship Flight 15, achieving major milestones across multiple vehicles and test sites.
Booster 22 conducted a full-duration 33-engine static fire on Oct. 25 at Pad 2, firing for 15 seconds. Ship 42 performed two static fires: a single-engine header tank test on Oct. 26 to simulate an in-space deorbit burn, followed by a full-duration 60-second six-engine static fire on Oct. 27.
Ship 43 completed cryo-proof testing on Oct. 23 and underwent extensive catch operations at Pad 2, including Ship Quick Disconnect safing procedures and alignment tests with the chopstick arms. These catch tests help SpaceX operators practice ship handling before attempting to catch a flown vehicle.
Over the eight-day span from Oct. 22 to Oct. 30, SpaceX performed 10 vehicle rolls, five tank-loading tests including three static fires, and a full series of catch procedures. Flight 15's no earlier than launch date stands at Nov. 12, pending completion of paperwork required to return a caught ship to the launch site.
Starbase infrastructure development continued with progress on Pad 1's main floor, including concrete poured for one flame trench ramp, installation of five A-frame supports in the center floor trench, and placement of prefabricated flame trench wall sections and all four Launch Mount legs. At Sanchez, the Pad 1 launch mount received its first two levels and top deck deluge plate sections were lifted into place over the week.