Starbase Production lining up future vehicles

NASASpaceflight reports that SpaceX's Starbase production facility is scaling up to support higher launch rates. Ship 42, in final preparations within Mega Bay 2, is ready for cryogenic testing with forward flaps installed and nearly complete thermal protection tiling—a notable improvement from earlier Block 2 vehicles. Its planned launch partner, Booster 22, just completed its primary structure after the methane tank was stacked onto the liquid oxygen tank, and teams are now installing autogenous pressurization and electrical systems. Supporting the accelerating production pace, one booster transport stand has already shipped to Cape Canaveral as Pad 1 prepares to return to service next year. In the Starfactory, Ship 43 is preparing for rollout while Ships 44 and 45 nosecones advance through newly automated tile installation stations—reducing the traditionally labor-intensive hand assembly of thermal protection systems. The expanding Gigabay facility will eventually house multiple production zones capable of simultaneous cryogenic tests and flight preparations, giving SpaceX the capacity for sustained higher-cadence operations.

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