All This For The Catch | Starbase Update

It’s been an action-packed week at Starbase! Major work continues on the Chopsticks as SpaceX gears up for a potential catch attempt on Starship’s next flight. Meanwhile, the FAA has provided an update on the status of the Flight 5 license, hinting at a significant milestone. We’ve also spotted signs that the legendary Starhopper might be on the move, possibly being relocated from its iconic spot. Plus, we take a close look at new hardware developments, including progress on the Starfactory, updates on Ship 31, and preparations for the much-anticipated B14.1 drop test simulation. Join us as we go over all these updates and more in this Starbase Update!
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🤵 Hosted by Ryan Caton (@DPodDolphinPro)
🖊️ Written by Adrian Beil (@BCCarCounters)
🎥 Video from BocaChicaGal, Jack Beyer, Starbase Live, Sean Doherty, SpaceX.
✂️ Edited by Ryan Caton (@DPodDolphinPro)
💼 Produced by Kevin Michael Reed (@kmreed)
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#Starbase #SpaceX #Starship #Starhopper #FAA #RocketScience #SpaceExploration #SpaceNews #BocaChica #SpaceTechnology #Aerospace #SpaceFlight #Chopsticks #SpaceHardware

[@corrinastanley125]

Thanks Ryan and NSF team, great round-up.

[@MickRonald]

Ever since B14.1 was first placed on the OLM, many people in the SBL chat have been wanting some type of drop test. With the additional crane lifting points installed, hopefully it will happen. How exciting is that! Thank you Ryan, Adrian, NSF videographers, and Kevin for this week's SBU.

[@DebraJean196]

Sure glad we should have that drop test on camera thanks to the wonderful coverage provided by the wonderful coverage provided by SBL cameras!!!!

[@DUKE_of_RAMBLE]

I think it's only logical they'll do a drop test. I'll be quite surprised if they DON'T. Particularly if the chopsticks will also do that "arresting" slide downwards, as that'll need to be tested to make sure it performs it as intended. But agreed, there's no shortage of cameras to capture it, and it'll be interesting no matter what! My guess would be that they'll do 2: one with it hooked up to the crane and a full speed closing around the test tank., another where they do a drop of it from only a foot (or less) above the rails. Both whilst filled (full?) with water in order to simulate the weight of the mostly-empty booster.

[@ascherlafayette8572]

A drop test doesn't make much sense since the booster won't be dropping in without its own power

[@DUKE_of_RAMBLE]

@@ascherlafayette8572 I suspect it'll fall a little bit. Given the size, I wouldn't expect them to have inch-level of pinpoint accuracy... Even high-precision US GPS military ordinance still has a multiple feet of accuracy error, and *_they're_* insanely precise! As such, it'll drop enough to merit a small drop test of at least 1 foot above the chopsticks, like I mentioned in my reply. _(granted, I know most people these days unfortunately don't even bother to read the other replies heh)_

[@erickessler6094]

Ryan, Great report. Kudos to you and the team, especially to how you (and producer Kevin) blurred out image areas so we can more clearly see the specific key elements of importance! Very UNIQUE and HELPFUL! This attention to detailed work really sets you and your team apart from most others! 🚀 Cheers, Eric

[@ralmslb]

5:40 I bet the roof on tower 1 is to protect it from the booster engines in it's descent.

[@deeptakshaw5128]

i also think think the same

[@jeffmontray88]

That’s a good theory, although the correct flight path would never fly over the tower, so shouldn’t get blasted by the rocket. It is “rocket science”, so better to be safe than sorry.

[@ralmslb]

@@jeffmontray88 if it was all about the intentions and the theory, they wouldn't be reinforcing everything as they are :)

[@rigomrtz]

Bi was thinking it's to protect the reels lift ect from the rain and hence rust

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

Reasonable thought. But it might just be an upgrade from seeing how the weather is affecting the mechanical elements at the top. One might speculate that over time they'll enclose the top entirely. Maybe even the whole tower, albeit with some wind-permissive aspects.

[@charleyreynolds559]

Watching this early cuz some legend gave me a month membership randomly! Thank you whoever you were!

[@DebraJean196]

I got a free month and the pics alone convinced me to rearrange my budget enough to fit in the monthly Red Team membership fee! I’ve never regretted it for even a minute. Amazing how fast my priorities changed lol. Enjoy this month and make the most of it!!!!

[@NASASpaceflight]

We have the best community. --kmr

[@DebraJean196]

@@NASASpaceflightindeed!!!!!

[@Kaymef]

Been watching this channel since the flight of S24 and B7, great to see you hit 1 million subscribers can’t wait to see you grow even more! Keep up the good work NSF Team!

[@bryanillenberg]

I've been watching since before S24 and B7 were made

[@TheHeavenman88]

Well I’ve been watching since before starhooper even flew and and SN1 was being made by hand ! Circa 2018 !

[@Kaymef]

@@TheHeavenman88 @bryanillenberg gentlemen gentlemen, this is no competition!

[@bryanillenberg]

@@TheHeavenman88 I bow to your seniority

[@TheAmericanCatholic]

I wasn’t a regular watcher of this channel when star hopper was flying but I did watch on occasion

[@BenjySparky]

Ryan and NSF, y'all rock! Peace

[@thestanwalker3512]

I had quit watching the daily updates but resumed once you added audible commentary. This allows me to pay bills, take a nap, eat a meal, and only look at the screen when needed. Next we need to get you to start covering the West coast, the best coast :)

[@Mr_MikeMikeMike]

Regarding the West coast, I couldn't agree less!

[@grumpyoldman6767]

The left coast is the wrong coast 😂

[@richbinaz]

Roof on tower 1 --- Flame protection??? During a catch??? Chopsticks will need covering at some point too.

[@philippayne6655]

I love the clear dialogue in this video

[@ericperkins3078]

What dialogue? Ryan's all alone.

[@spiritusinfinitus]

​@@ericperkins3078He's spesking to us

[@MrKellymcilrath]

Thanks Ryan for another awesome Starbase Update!! Thank you NSF!!!

[@danielbuck2430]

The reinforcements of the weld don't protect or shield they add strength and spread the stress points of the welds over a larger area

[@imconsequetau5275]

Especially important for tensile shockwaves that can apply stress concentration to weld areas and adjacent pipe.

[@JustAGuyHavingFun1]

thanks to whatever space elf gifted me a members sub! Appreciate ya!

[@Bqd23]

Amazing Update Ryan. Always enjoy these update videos its good to see updates from the NSF team and Jack has a break from time to time. Amazing work once again from team NSF. Thanks for all you do in keeping us updated on all things in space flight.

[@JaneGrimshaw-kp7vn]

Thanks for great 'catch'up !! Always enjoy 🚀

[@Crunch_dGH]

11:40 Re: Craned Drop Test. Yes! I’ve been calling it for weeks. Re: Mechazilla Simulation. All tested, but for the catch, so why not simulate catch dynamics using the stacking crane? I mean what’s the rush to NOT program the crane to emulate rocket motor dynamics & in a few runs, even throw in some wind gusts? After all, aren’t the final 9-3 seconds of flight the most challenging AND unknown? Given a bit of thought, it might seem wholly irresponsible to NOT do so. Going forward, camera analysis of future catches could be evaluated & programmed into the catch simulator to further explore the outer ranges within which anomalous landings could be “saved.”

[@karlwest437]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@lestendsouza9395]

Had a shot everytime the host said chopstick… Now m drunk😂😂

[@Clitoriacetal]

💀

[@moonasha]

probably as drunk as this guy's hair dresser was 💀

[@DarkNightDreamer]

@@moonasha Damn that's kinda rude his hair look fine 💀

[@yumazster]

Roof being added on tower 1 may have something to do with the thruster downwash.

[@MrX-zz2vk]

Hopped on the live Starbase feed a few minutes ago and surprised to actually see a couple guys working on the chopsticks under their umbrella on Labor Day. I guess they decided to get some overtime pay. I hope they have a great one. Their hard work is appreciated 👏 by this space program fan. 👍

[@meskes4059]

Or they’re not union and don’t have holiday pay. They are in Texas, after all

[@PeterKocic]

It makes perfect sense to build a roof on Tower 1 right there, this is to cover up the exposed winch wires running over the crown block cluster. Best practice I'd think to ensure long term survival of the line vs flame tail, esp if it might come in at different angles we're used to during landings.

[@booksbicycles7183]

The sheer size of everything Starship compared to humans related never ceases to amaze me 😅

[@rhetoricByEric]

It’s all about the catch…. (Refrain) Because you know I'm all about that catch 'Bout that catch, no trouble Because you know I'm all about that catch 'Bout that catch, no trouble Because you know I'm all about that catch 'Bout that catch, no trouble I'm all about that catch 'Bout that catch... catch... catch... catch Yeah, it's pretty clear, booster ain't no Falcon 9 But I can catch her, catch her perfectly every time 'Cause she’s got that boom boom that all the chopsticks chase And vectorable thrust puts her in the right place I see the KZbinrs workin' that AI art We know it’s simulation , come on now, have a heart Booster’s got beauty, beauty, just lift her up 'Cause every inch of her is perfect from the nozzles to the top Yeah, Elon Musk he told me "don't worry about her size" (Shoo wop wop, sha-ooh wop wop) He says, "chop sticks like more booty to snatch from flight" (That booster, uh, that booster booster) You know she won't be no stick figure stainless steel Falcon Nine (Shoo wop wop, sha-ooh wop wop) But Xcitement is guaranteed every time (Refrain) He’s bringing booster back Go 'head and tell them skinny rockets that No, I'm just playing, Everybody thinks you're divine And I'm here to tell you... A Shortfall of Gravitas driving you home is fine. Yeah Elon Musk he told me, "don't worry about her size" (Shoo wop wop, sha-ooh wop wop) He says, "You sticks like a little more booty to hold at night" (That booster booster, uh, that booster booster) You know she won't be no stick figure, white painted Falcon 9 So if that's what you're into, watch LC-39 😮 (Refrain 3x)

[@clayel1]

i propose that spacex allows nsf to move their cameras on top of starhopper to get a better vantage point

[@imconsequetau5275]

It would certainly be more stable if cameras could be clamped.

[@BobSmith-eq4ib]

Really been loving these, and I appreciate you guys have been talking about what other community circles (RGV for example, been great seeing NSF on those weekly livestreams) But one critique I have for you Ryan; I’m not entirely sure why an outdated google earth map was used to speculate hoppys move. We know through the latest flyovers that hoppy will be moving to the danger lot, as the danger lot has concrete footings that match hoppys 3 legs perfectly dimension wise. If possible, in the future please refrain from using outdated images like that, I don’t think it’s very helpful for the community. Otherwise fantastic series, these keep getting better! Just something I thought might be worth sharing with the NSF team :)

[@RedSkysAreOnFire]

roof but not for rain but fire

[@flawedperspective]

I think we need "pillow" or "cushion" merch for the catch attempt. Like being hit on the face with an airbag by Penny on Big Bang Theory when Sheldon crashed his driving sim. A pillow fight would be totally appropriate during a catch attempt.

[@BradyLouis]

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

[@richardknapp570]

Jammin' background tunes! Amazing to think how far one could walk and stay in the facility (from lower section of office building, into StarFactory, and into MegaBay 2.

[@aq_ua]

Man, I love the background music, that's good stuff.

[@raytribble8075]

I would think “drop test” might be more like a controlled lowering onto the chop stick arms and pads by a crane and some form of orientation cable to maintain “semi” catch pin alignment. Without COPV stabilizers as an actual landing would provide, the test will require some form of alignment to prevent the spinning of the test booster body

[@joansparky4439]

roof might help with a returning booster?!

[@thomasbeach7436]

Excellent run down of the progress. Thank You!

[@jimlaz7456]

The Canadian name for (that building) is "PARKADE"... Much less effort than "multi storey car park," or "parking garage" for that matter.

[@anthonycamilleri7297]

nice presentation ryan and all nsf team

[@herbbayer9099]

Thank you for another great update!

[@peter1987P]

Congratz on getting better and better and more natural in presenting/narrating. I think you should keep it like this, its pleasant, feels natural and nothing too much.

[@lib8884]

Thank you kind rich spaceflight lover for the membership

[@benjaminrickdonaldson]

Them moving starhopper is for a good cause. I think they are doing this so that incase booster 12 misses its target starhopper isnt damaged in the explosion

[@not2busy]

Is StarHopper small enough to fit through that open triangular section in the office building? If they really wanted to preserve it forever, they'd have to get it inside somewhere.

[@TresMamboMusicSchool]

Man, apart from your awesome content, you have an AWESOME speaking voice (and probably singing?) your future as as voice over artist is assured. Keep up the great work. Cheers

[@YaleTom-q6w]

Never idealize others. They will never live up to your expectations.

[@IsabellaIsabella-mc1tx]

Thanks Ryan ❤

[@whatamess2358]

The English narrator makes it “real”.

[@sja45uk]

@NASASpaceflight - Four possible causes occur to me for the lack of ventilation pipes through the hatch: 1) It is cooler weather and there is no need for the supply of chilled air; 2) It is a LOX tank and safe to work in; 3) It is a propellant tank and any methane has long since dispersed; 4) It is not an access hatch to a tank. It would be interesting to know exactly where in the vehicle they are gaining access through the hatch.

[@karlwest437]

I expect the drop test will be more like, lowering the test article at a speed simulating the booster descent, maybe moving it sideways too, while the chopsticks move into place and close and catch it, I wonder if they can program the crane to simulate the way a booster would behave?

[@larryrich327]

Very cool, nice job guys

[@EAP_7]

Maybe the roof on Tower 1 is to protect it from incoming Boosters trying to get caught by the chopsticks?

[@Ron4885]

👍

[@gncolgan]

thank you Ryan

[@garyhorner7550]

SpaceX probably added a roof to the top of the "catch tower" to protect something on the inside of the tower from the rocket blasts and shock waves as the booster lands on the catch points.

[@optimusfuturistX]

Thanks Ryan.. looks great. StaR2D2 is my watch tower…

[@customislandtours]

I'll be in Texas starting October 9th. I just happened to be there at the right time for Flights 1 and 2. For flight 3, I thought I'd be able to see it land here in Hawaii, but they changed it to the Indian Ocean. So I'm hoping for a launch between October 9 and 15th.

[@OliviaFelton-u6j]

The sky is clear; the stars are twinkling.

[@DebraJean196]

“Holiday weekend???? We don’t need no stinkin’ holidays. We don’t even need no weekends” says the Starbase construction workers collecting monster OT paychecks lol

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

I still want to see _Starhopper_ painted like _R2-D2_ from *STAR WARS.*

[@nine8central]

SAME! And (hear me out) booster 14.1 should be the planters peanut for Halloween 11:33

[@Ron4885]

😂😉

[@ghost307]

They're probably not done with getting the elevators working in the parking deck. Bumming a ride after work is probably preferable to climbing several flights of stairs after a long day.

[@Gufty9s]

Place Starhopper on the roof of the office building, right on the front corner where it is highly visible.

[@Billybobble1]

The fact that they seem almost certain to attempt a catch on the 5th launch is as bananas as attempting a catch period, so a few more weeks, I'm okay with that.

[@SophiaTimothy-q4z]

Mom didn’t understand why no one else wanted a hot tub full of jello.

[@Just1heyU]

As your most exciting flight 5 is close at tower one. Good luck 🚀 Mr. Musk, Miss Shotwell and your entire SpaceX team.🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🤞

[@erikskupce4566]

Based on your good looks - I am subscribing ❤

[@curtisquick1582]

It only looks like SpaceX is not yet ready to launch Starship because the FAA is delaying approval of the launch license. SpaceX is using the delay to upgrade the launch site.

[@bryanillenberg]

No.

[@roxy5265]

Am i the only one who gets chills when the Intro plays?

[@josephmoore4764]

i have to say, I initially doubted that they would try to catch on the next flight, it just seemed like too much work would need to happen. Well, a lot of work has been done since the last launch, maybe they could have done another test flight in this intervening period. If I had to guess, they get the go ahead on a catch attempt at the end of the month, launch early october

[@BeatriceGallacher-j5e]

There are no failures. Just experiences and your reactions to them.

[@barrya5191]

Symantics

[@dsmoke1972]

Yep, Starhopper is going in the lobby.

[@IsabellaIsabella-mc1tx]

Hi great NSF team always wonderful explanations. ❤

[@paradoxicalcat7173]

It's a shame SpaceX don't give you guys a heads-up before they do something. I know they're busy working, but some kind of notification system would hardly take a minute out of their day.

[@georgem1290]

I think launch NTW november. Not because Space Works slowly, because they don't, but because there is SOOOOO much left to do that even for a company like SpaceX things will take time. Although all the work they have done and still working on between Flight 4 and 5, would take another space company 10 years at least.. So.. there's that =)

[@gordonstewart5774]

First August, then Sept, now Oct? That might clash with the 10/10 Tesla presentation.

[@georgem1290]

@@gordonstewart5774 Well... Since both companies are owned by Musk, I don't think it's a big problem. :)

[@achumachenko]

Looks like rocket landings get exciting again!

[@DebraJean196]

Spin spin spin, spin spin spin, spin your nose cone - spin your nosecone. Some song beat. I’m worse at music than Ryan is about movies, but that’s in my head for some reason.

[@kirkwagner461]

What? Not Hoppy! They'd better take good care of Hoppy!

[@michaeljohn5175]

I just can't understand why they wouldn't go with a roller system rather pads on the chop-sticks. There would be little if any damage to rollers as the ship brushes along side them. But a pad at minimum will be scratched up and need replacing frequently and that's not even mentioning the damage the booster will sustain with each catch. I bet the pads are just a temporary solution until they move on to rollers in the future.

[@hazelnut11022]

Has anyone counted how many times Ryan said CHOPSTICKS during this video? 😅😅😅 UPDATE: the answer is 28. I seriously counted them through the whole SBU😎

[@NASASpaceflight]

I did as I was watching the first cut. I literally almost made him re-record it. --kmr

[@hazelnut11022]

@@NASASpaceflight 😜 Good video anyway

[@davidnickerson8691]

Really great coverage as always! Also what stage name could be given to the tower once catching rockets as the last stage? It's no longer just Stage 0 so what would it be called?

[@ZigamusRainbowWizard]

Starport #1

[@iBele.]

Homework pause, a glass of cold cola while watching a starbase update episode. Is there a better moment that this?

[@Sudz3]

I wonder if there's a guy who handles all the TPS reports.

[@samfromportadown]

By the time you finish watching this video, "chopsticks" will no longer sound like a word. 😛

[@tommcmicken4776]

I visited Starbase way back when the only things that were there was the Stargate building, the wind brake and the Starhopper, the famous Icon should never be relocated------

[@ariadnelecoutre9453]

Starhopper will be placed into the new office building! There is still a opening in the roof!

[@MIck-M]

It is so nice to hear a human voice rather than AI rubbish in these vids.

[@DW_Kiwi]

FAA Man. Calls the shots. Oh Humm!

[@gordonstewart5774]

First August, then Sept, now Oct? That might clash with the 10/10 Tesla presentation

[@GilesLongman]

Meaning is not what you start with but what you end up with.

[@jimsalentine1887]

Another excellent update!

[@Free_Born]

Star hopper should be moved to that little lot they just acquired between the star factory and the new office complex... Something nice for there office courtyard.

[@JeroenvdWal]

SN15 was impress but it didnt get lifted on a booster and had to go trough re-entry. Im certain they will keep the first starship that lands after re-entry

[@NightKiller_2]

Great update as always!

[@marekmarkiewicz7723]

As usual, great material! Is there any work on second tower chopsticks? I guess they will need the same updates. If SpaceX do updates on the ground after flight 5, do you know if they will still need the CC-8800-1 to attach to the second tower or can the LR11000X do that too?

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

I thought for a catch attempt the chopsticks would go higher up the tower ! But i guess if there were any anomaly's even a few miles up elon would just press the big red rud button ! I want to see a catch ! Cant wait !

[@glitchered]

5:50 i think they "try" to protect the cables and upper winch (is that the word?) from water entry and corrosion or grease wash off.

[@sfinami]

From what I've been hearing, looks like SpaceX is going to have plenty of time to get ready for the flight 5 launch. End of November per the FAA flunkies!

[@HarryNicNicholas]

i forget the reason (i think it was to do with the surface integrity) but in everyday astronauts walk and talk with elon the orange dots were discussed. i can't be arsed to do the work for you. :)

[@AstonRBLX_LLD7]

RIP STARHOPPER❤❤

[@Shattered3582]

9:52 that is a shocking humans for scale shot!

[@JuneHelin]

You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.

[@chrisb8783]

Starhopper was exposed to the same conditions that a similar craft on the Moon or Mars, would regularly endure when later craft lands.

[@ericpaul4575]

The background music is distracting. It is too quiet that I can’t understand it but my brain continues to try to understand it.

[@barrya5191]

@NASASpaceFlight Why do you suppose that SpaceX will catch the booster directly over the launch pad, instead of over to the side of the pad - to minimize pad damage in case they drop the booster?

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

maybe starhopper will be refurbished and make a hop to test the chop sticks?

[@RyanDan-ej1qd]

She can live her life however she wants as long as she listens to what I have to say.