SpaceX FINALLY gets the big Starship Flight 7 news!

[@Whataboutit]

Go to ground.news/WAI to stay fully informed and get global perspectives. Subscribe through my link for 50% off unlimited access or try it out for less than $1/month! What do you think? Should Starbase become a city? Comment below, and lets talk about it!

[@anthonylosego]

Just freaking subscribe people so I don't have to listen to 2.8 million viewers not subscribed! lol

[@markl3893]

I'm OK with Starbase becoming a certified city, as long as EM has no more than a single, ordinary vote as input into its civil government.

[@pfjhgkldhfrfdhf7210]

I'm a lot more suspicious of EM's actions than I used to be.

[@johnbrobston1334]

Makes sense. Long term this may become a major port.

[@dougdrumwright1656]

Yes

[@cyborgvalkyrie]

16:30 "The (FAA's) statement almost feels like the FAA is trying not to get fired a month from now".

[@meldoon]

The head already resigned

[@aone9050]

😂

[@Sundablakr]

The FAA is far too ingrained to get "fired", it handles far more than just giving out licenses for rockets. The entire aviation industry would be thrown into chaos if the FAA just got "fired" overnight. Imagine how terrifying it would be to fly on a boeing jet, that is already questionable, if they had no regulatory oversight.

[@cyborgvalkyrie]

@@Sundablakr You'd fire the management if they were dragging their feet and being inefficient, just like is happening with NASA in a month.

[@gregsteele806]

@@Sundablakr Imagine if, instead of the Government, an army of private investigators and lawyers descended on any company that knowingly sold sub standard / dangerous goods.

[@walshamp]

They don't need to catch the ship 'in short succession,' as you said. If its in orbit, they can wait until the tower is ready before the deorbit burn.

[@Whataboutit]

That's absolutely correct. It isn't what I meant. Anything below 24 hours right now is short succession.

[@johnbrobston1334]

They actually have to wait I believe. Look at the ground track of an inclined orbit and you'll see that it progresses around the planet as the planet rotates underneath it, so the recovery will have to wait until the recovery site is within the crossrange capability of the orbiter. I have no idea how much crossrange Starship has. (edit--added "wait" to clarify)

[@MrBoss-zn5vn]

I saw someone calculating it has to orbit 4 to 5 times. Don't remember where so only source i can provide is "trust me bro"

[@jeremyfarmer2502]

​@@MrBoss-zn5vnryan webber from NFS said something similar

[@tator4209]

These ships can’t fly. They don’t bring extra fuel in case they need to circle the airport while they wait. Fuel and burn calculations are all done within reason(they do have small correction) prior to launch. You can’t land with extra fuel if you don’t need it. Even airplanes have to deal with this to a degree. You’d have to launch high enough to be able to make extra orbits. Using more fuel. Then you’ll have to do a longer burn to deorbit. Bug if you don’t require this. You’ll be coming home with lots of fuel. Then I wonder if that would change how it descends?!? Would the fuel slosh around? Idk. But all of these things cost way more money. Or just can’t be done. All of which they are attempting to avoid. That’s why they’ve cut costs from 3/4 of a billion. Down to 53 million for falcon 9 I believe. I could be wrong. But I believe that’s close.

[@davidgoodwin9594]

Thanks!

[@Whataboutit]

Thank you!🙏

[@hightierplayers2454]

Seeing the start of a the future starfleet being built here is beyond exciting!

[@Whataboutit]

[@davidklande]

Unfortunately, given Musks recent political orientation, this future starfleet will be the Imperial Starfleet (aka Imperial Navy) from Star Wars, not the Star Trek Starfleet. Hopefully Elon will run through the full arc of Darth Vader, not just the beginning. He already turned from Anakin into Vader, I hope he will also do the turn back to Anakin (without the dying part of course) when the "Emperor" falls.

[@batcollins3714]

Future starfleet!!! He can't even got above Low Earth Orbit you suckers!

[@davidklande]

@@batcollins3714 A red Tesla Roadster begs to differ. It has been orbiting the sun on a trajectory that takes it beyond the orbit of Mars since 2018, launched on a Falcon Heavy. Starship isn't ready for that yet, but it will be ready in time. Just like the Falcon Heavy before it. And given the numbers of Starships they are working towards producing, this WILL be the beginning of a Starfleet. Unfortunately, not the one, we want.

[@LawrenceKaneshiro]

Nobody disputes that Musk's work with Starship and Falcon Heavy is nothing short of genius. Sending a rocket to low orbit and returning to Earth for a controlled landing to be used again is incredible. Nobody can take that away from him. However, his current foray into politics is a bust. He cannot expect to run a country of over 334 million people like one of his companies. So far, employees in every company he touches have revolted because of his overbearing, narcissistic personality and his inability to manage people. JustSaying

[@perpetualpunster]

Companies building towns and cities was a common procedure from the 1700s through to the mid 1900s. In the western USA many towns, and ghost towns, started off miner or lumberjack housing.

[@Whataboutit]

Same in Germany. The entire Ruhr area was built like that. ❤

[@brianboye8025]

Company towns. Many had their own 'currency'.

[@colin3108]

And they abused and took advantage of the peoples vulnerability. Lose your job? Leave the city. Elon wants the state to pay for utility hookups and everything else involved. Basically just stealing more taxpayer money.

[@frankharris3308]

And there are very good reasons they're very unpopular with the people who live there. All this does is make Elon a loooot more money.

[@unitrader403]

@@frankharris3308 could you explain how it would make money for him *personally*?

[@GodisElu-zt5ec]

Finally, I've been waiting, you always make me excited. Thank you for keeping my space dream alive

[@josephtragesser89]

Your best update show without a launch. You're the best. Great work.

[@saqibsultantemuri2437]

Honestly. WAI is the best SpaceX Update.

[@AdvantestInc]

Static fire tests like Ship 33’s are fascinating milestones. They remind us how testing underpins innovation, turning ideas into safe, reliable systems.

[@365SpaceNews]

Watching the foundation of a future starfleet coming together is absolutely thrilling!

[@elizabethhoeppner8881]

Yes, a Starship City is so 🔥 awesome 😁

[@jannichi6431]

Don't ya want to move? Elon's D.C. experience will be invaluable. Hope he gets all he wants and needs from Santa this year. 2025 looks fantastically ambitious.

[@Elliot-nu1bb]

Omg i was so concerned when i didn’t see a Tuesday episode! Glad to see you’re well and as excited as ever!

[@jonniiinferno9098]

Starbase City, Tx - sounds great !!! STOKE Aerospace - what's not to love ?

[@RS-ls7mm]

Don't know, corporate cities have a mixed past.

[@jannichi6431]

Regulations, safety and environmental impact. Hope the D.C. education has benefits.

[@Magoo71]

Thanks Felix....as always I love your knowledge and enthusiasm!!!!

[@carlmadley]

Another great Video thank you Felix

[@eeman1335]

I'm an Electrical Engineer with 28 years in Aerospace design. My wife and I are empty nesters and we live in our 5th wheel toy hauler RV. I currently work remote, but occasionally travel back to my employer. Starbase, Tx should offer an RV park for temporary "contract" workers that are working in the area. They could make up part of your residency and vote well in your favor :~)

[@LordDragon314]

There are RV parks nearby. Right on South Padre Island.

[@jannichi6431]

Don't think Elon will need votes. "Plenty of votes".

[@WeekendSurvival]

I'm sure Robber Barron - - - sorry Elon doesn't need any votes for his company town.

[@linmal2242]

@@jannichi6431 He is going to be a part of the Govt. !

[@dcavanau1021]

Felix & Co: I really love your channel and reporting. I know your format is more news-oriented. Do you do explanation videos? I’d really like to understand the Starship and super heavy booster assembly steps. You have explained different pieces of the process, some with great animations. It would be awesome to see the whole map of the sequence - segment stacking in the bays, attachment of engines, go to Massies for spin prime and static fire, come back to the bay for attachment of X, Y, and Z, stack on the launch pad, wet dress rehearsal, FAA launch approval, etc. Since this is a mostly linear process, it would be great to have a chart with the rows being the assembly steps and the columns belonging to the numbered vehicles. Little check marks in the cells could show the progress of each vehicle. You guys seem very comfortable talking about ship 31 vs Ship 36 vs Booster 11, … it’s often difficult to remember which is which and who is likely to go on FT 7, FT 8, etc. since there is so much going on and ramping up of production, having a summary scorecard to follow along at home would be very useful. If these are things that don’t fall into your charter, is there anyone doing this at present? I also subscribe to Scott Manley, space race, Ellie in space, but not Everyday Astronaut. These others tend to do deeper dive explanation videos in addition to space news. Is this kind of thing an untapped need that I should look at building myself? Thanks! And thanks for all you do!

[@Whataboutit]

There’s no one doing this. I was thinking about making one dedicated video about it! ❤

[@jannichi6431]

Please do. You sound like a thoughtful director. Occasional space fan same challenge in sorting out (even locations) all the progress. Enjoy the Engineering and Physics jargon too.

[@warmchocolatechipcookies]

I love your enthusiasm. Keep it up!

[@JeannineDC]

❤ me too

[@jamesf2697]

If the ship gets into orbit, they would have as much time as needed to get the tower ready for the starship catch.

[@i-love-space390]

Perhaps you are forgetting about a certain process called boiloff. There is definitely a limit to how long cryogenic propellants and in this case, Oxygen, will last in space. That is why building propellant depots in orbit is not trivial. It is also why all those proponents of HydroLOX engines for reuse in lunar landers and orbital tugs and shuttles are very optimistic. I expect these hydrogen engines will not have nearly the lifetime that fans think they will have. Shit. We have hydrogen leaks ON THE GROUND. Imagine the kind of leaks they will spring when they have been in space for several months.

[@jamesf2697]

@i-love-space390 I am talking about a day or two until they can get the first stage off the catch arms and get the tower ready for the ship to come down and be caught.

[@Scholzey]

That's what I was thinking, catch booster, park ship, remove booster, check tower, land ship or sea landing ship if any maintainence is required on stage zero

[@jannichi6431]

​​@@i-love-space390HE lighter and safer than Oxygen. But you already know what I just learned in Refilling Refueling reminder lesson of today.

[@andreasdill4329]

And don´t forget it runs on batteries. Attitude control needs power and ullage gas, which comes from boiloff. For staying really long in orbit ship needs a longtime power source (solar or fuel cells) an recondenser for the fuel and hot trusters for attitude control.

[@michaelverhoef5443]

Bought the ground news subscription for my Mom just now. Thanks Felix!

[@imconsequetau5275]

8:59 That rusty beam across the cooling pipes is just a shipping structure. Likely to be removed after fastening the plumbing to the flame diverter.

[@KevinT3141]

That Ikea Raptör 3 shirt design would also be great on a hoodie, especially for those of us up north!

[@charlespage8112]

Here's a comment to FEED THE BEAST!!! Really enjoy your site.

[@Whataboutit]

Thank you very much!!!❤

[@JonathanARae]

Love the enthusiasm in your voice. You've come a long way since covering only EV's.

[@Whataboutit]

Thank you! I never do cover EV’s, though. 😅

[@linmal2242]

Love your manic enthusiasm, Felix !

[@Omegatonboom]

Love your videos! Your energy is great!

[@MeteorMark]

Happy Holidays and an exciting New Year for yo and your family Felix!

[@Whataboutit]

Thank you!!! ❤ To you as well!

[@jeffreyknutson]

MAN, I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!!!!

[@davidlittle6621]

Another awesome Felix Friday!

[@Whataboutit]

[@lordinquis8r679]

Thanks, Felix! You’re looking good. All my best to you. Merry Christmas!

[@Whataboutit]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@mrkitty1367]

Always great stuff !

[@thedonabides2218]

I love the idea of Starbase City, TX I'd move there in a heartbeat if I could get a job with SpaceX

[@jannichi6431]

Hiring. Don't forget other projects like Starlink, Boring, Nurolink and so many others. See Bastrop real estate. Affordable still.

[@BartoszZasieczny]

They can put the ship into orbit, give themselves 2-3 days to offload the booster and then bring back the ship. But i'd expect this at earliest late in the spring - allowing the ship to reenter over populated USA/Mexico area will be a beaurecratic nightmare, as it will approach the pad from the west.

[@mirochlebovec6586]

Lol I have to love Starbase city TX since I live right next to a town that was built around a factory. It’s even named after it.

[@travissmith2974]

Felix where did you get the starship models and towers at?

[@Whataboutit]

www.morethan3d.com

[@Trevordotdee]

@@Whataboutithope it’s not too expensive

[@djidroneskathrinstudt1893]

@@WhataboutitI need soon models 3-D print for tower building, next 2025 … 😉🚀

[@zarl5238]

Thanks Felix-finally somebody gave us a look at the development at pad B. As far as SpaceX becoming a city-well that would be great since that means they will probably build more houses and trailer parks there-and I will buy one :)

[@SireSmitty]

Why was Starhopper doing backflips? 12:27

[@TheFrontyardScientist]

Where do you get the rocket models in the background?

[@garydewitt8205]

Starbase, TX right on!!!

[@TheLostExplorer]

Needed this video to get my day started on the right foot!

[@Whataboutit]

Thanks for watching!

[@jannichi6431]

Saturday morning used to be for cleaning. With all the great graphics the eyes are on the screen in a Galaxy of Star Dreaming come reality ✨ Even better in 2025 to SPACEX and Felix. 🚀🌌🧑‍🎄

[@Terran_Space]

Thanks for the upload Felix!!! My school day may be an early dismissal today for Christmas break but still helping me get through the day!!!

[@brentallen1472]

You are a good kid. Your parents should be proud.

[@Terran_Space]

@brentallen1472 thanks man!!!

[@ryelor123]

Founding a town does sound like a good idea. Hopefully they can attract more businesses to the area to build up the local economy and ensure the town prospers even when the Starship project reaches maturity. If they can attract mutually-beneficial fellow spaceflight companies(eg Stoke, Rocket Labs, and the various space station companies), they'd be able to attract supporting companies such as fuel producers, crane rental companies, scrap metal recyclers(really useful if a lot of companies are testing things out) and welding/materials supply companies that can stock up on massive amounts of sheet metal, metal stock, and welding supplies. Astrocorps are high-level companies(as opposed to simple ones that used to found towns like mining companies and steel mills) that have a lot of needs and thus can create a more stable foundation for their local economy and work near each other due to differing business objectives. It'll be neat to see what happens.

[@MicrobyteAlan]

In your option, which booster will the first to fly a second time?

[@drneedleman4957]

you do a great job, Felix! I really enjoy your show.

[@AudioxMontage]

where did you get the starship model behind you?

[@harrisoconnor2329]

I love it . "The city of Starbase" has a nice ring ti it.👏👏

[@victor-emmanuelchauvet6474]

Starcity will sound better

[@randykreps3519]

Congrats on the new home!

[@MicahMesser]

A lot of those "central" news sights on Ground News are not central lol.

[@Simple_But_Expensive]

Not so sure they would need two towers to catch both ship and booster on flight 8. They have now demonstrated everything necessary to put the ship in orbit while they catch the booster, dismount it, then deorbit the ship for a catch. If the tower gets damaged, they can always divert to the Indian Ocean.

[@richardknapp570]

Are you saying the nose cone section for S35 is taller than S34? They are both V2 ships so what would be reason for different size? In the shot where you were comparing heights, it appeared to me they were the same size...if the base of the segment was in the same place on each image.

[@jannichi6431]

Section added just below come. Topped off!

[@sxmolin]

Yes The City of Starbase TX!! Sounds great!! 🚀🚀🚀🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@novablaze23]

L9ving the view into our future ❤ thank you for all the info updates love the show 🎉

[@Whataboutit]

Thanks for watching!

[@Vojtasak-mk4]

WHOA those mars rendering on the building! 3:47😍

[@pierrekarkau8952]

MEGA INFOS WIE IMMER !....🙏FROHE WEIHNACHTEN DIR UND FAMILIE !....🌲

[@bruceyoung1343]

I SMASHED the like button FELIX

[@markuspursche4872]

I don't see that RAPTÖR-3 shirt on the UK web store, is it new or discontinued?

[@Whataboutit]

It was rejected by European copyright law. 😥

[@dominichadley2712]

Felix this is amazing! Starbase, TX could literally become Millennium Gate from the Star Trek Voyager episode “11:59”! A self sustaining Biosphere which will be the catalyst for Martian Colonies! This is definitely worth mentioning in a future video! 😁 as an avid Space Nerd and Star Trek Nerd this is very very BIG news for me! 😝

[@leonidt7]

As I understand, when SpaceX catches the ship in Starbase, they will have enough time after the start. I believe, the starship will reach the orbit, and then after a few orbital revolutions, it will be deorbited. This will be a time to catch the booster and move it away from the launch site.

[@jeremyfarmer2502]

I've heard people say it will take 12 hours for the ship to come back

[@jeremyfarmer2502]

I've heard people say it will take 12 hours for the ship to come back.

[@leonidt7]

Yes, it should be at least half an Earth turn but could be a full turn or more

[@darrenlee8981]

SpaceX and NASA should take over all aspects of the Artemis mission.

[@WorkerDroid]

Felix, could you explain and show the lifting points..and catch points..of the Starship? I’m uncertain how Spacex has designed a catch pin on the Starship that can manage the heat of reentry. I can’t find any solid information on this aspect of the ship. Thanks for your work.

[@flavia987]

Ship catch pins are still a work in progress, all the ships didn't have them and neither ship 33 has ! In flight 6 they removed 8 columns of tiles on each side of the ship (where potentially catch pins will be) to see how the parts reacted to the heating of reentry

[@Nathan-vt1jz]

I’m interested to see how they develop new heat shield tiles. An active cooling metallic heat shield seems like an extra hurdle that’s not necessary for the initial missions, but is a great idea for future development. Maybe block 3 or 4 of starship? I guess the crucial question is do we need it for the moon mission or is refining the current heat shield sufficient?

[@R2D2trashcan]

Starbase City? Hell yes!

[@randytaylor4766]

I might move to the city of Starbase when I retire in two years.

[@joshiasbaja3934]

@@randytaylor4766 I heard real estate prices would be astronomical! 🤓

[@randytaylor4766]

Ok... maybe not. lol

[@DavidSmith-kd8mw]

Merry Christmas.

[@benjaminblair3619]

Star city base!! Yess!! Yess!!

[@fabrb26]

2:39 editor is a real genius !

[@joh5417]

Really looking forward to stoke space's progress :)

[@mattpitre1159]

That UHF reference! glad i'm not the only nerd out there that loved that movie!😁

[@Chrislw35]

@Felix, I don't understand why you think the flame diverter is moving along fast? I realize other things are being done around the site but the actual flame diverter seems slow going to me. Can you explain for me? Thanks

[@davidgifford8112]

Why do you need 2-towers to catch both booster and Starship. In order for any Starship to deliver a payload it needs to get into orbit, we haven’t seen that yet. Once the booster achieves a catch, it can be transported back to the factory. After a Starship completes its required number of orbits and is in the correct orbit for a return back to Starbase it can re enter and be recovered by the same, now clear, tower.

[@DiakronYT]

redundancy, stuff happens and its better to be ready beforehand then scrambling to figure out what to do when it all goes to poopy.

[@shortwave737]

@@DiakronYT Redundancy in this case is simple though. Just land it in the ocean instead if something goes wrong like they already do. They will certainly have flight plans that allow for that too just like with the booster from launch 6.

[@Mikexxx531]

@@shortwave737 That's a poor alternative unless there's a safety issue though. Starship will be tasked with moving valuable cargo in both diretions and perhaps even people eventually. It's essential to never lose a ship unless it's unavoidable.

[@shortwave737]

@Mikexxx531 Sorry I might have misunderstood. I meant just for this launch not in general. It seems to me like no matter what they will use the same towers for catching both booster and starship and having a backup would only be important for this testing stage before the technology is fleshed out. Which in that case there is no need to delay another launch just to wait since they could always just land the booster or ship in the water if the need arises.

[@TheRealestHi]

Don’t worry about it. You don’t work at SpaceX. Enjoy the show.

[@alexlopesassis]

O tradutor em português do vídeo não esta ativo 😪🇧🇷

[@Whataboutit]

It's still publishing!

[@gerardocomas450]

Hey Felix, the Starman🚀❣️ Keep up the awesome work of SpaceX’s Starships 🚀🚀🚀 Looking 👀 forward to 2025 & beyond❣️ How about creating a SpaceX 2025 Calendar? People WILL buy it, not maybe but it, but definitely WILL❣️ By the way, thanks for your efforts to making your videos in English captions❣️ “Space, the final frontier, these are the voyage of SpaceX’s Starships❣️ Her ongoing missions are to reach out & creating a new world. To bring minerals from out there. Space is definitely the “Breadbasket for the WORLD 🌎 🌍 ❣️🎵🎶🚀

[@DominicRouleau-m7m]

Congratulations for your new house !

[@cookingmailman6086]

I would totally move to Starbase City!

[@michaelcoghlan9124]

Grate news, thank you. M

[@machinegod3000]

They move Rockets on regular roads??

[@Whataboutit]

Yes, Sir!

[@neoncat6820]

Yep, cheaper to use existing roads (and pay for the costs of closing and repairing the roads) than to build an entirely new one just for rocket transport

[@jannichi6431]

Like a holiday parade. Love a Santa Starbase Boca Parade '24🧑‍🎄🎄Happy Holidays to all Star Reachers like Felix💖

[@MavMcLeod]

Lieber Felix, ich wünsche dir dir und deiner Familie ein besinnliches Weihnachtsfest und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr! Beste Grüße aus Good old Germany!

[@dougarmour8387]

Loving all the UHF references in recent videos!

[@smithfire1130]

How come the hopper is still there?

[@mateskib]

great video thanks!

[@VintageFordChannel]

Time to spuce up your studio. Id see if you can get a piece of starship from the scrapyard. That would be coooooooooool. Something...small.

[@Makaneek5060]

Spuce up sounds funny lol

[@fuerchtnix1]

Call it Terania i vote🙂

[@Zimmon375]

Why is it always a water landing? Shouldn’t they try to land somewhere similar to the surface of mars? Like in some desert?

[@undertow2142]

Safety reasons for starters. Plus starship and the booster isn’t capable of landing without chopsticks currently. Eventually they will produce lunar starship prototypes that will land on land to test out the hardware they implement for this.

[@JenkinsUSA]

18:34 Yes, Starbase should be a city.

[@spartansas36]

Or New Starbase City Mars

[@chattywalrus8485]

👽Officer, I was just on my way home, to Starbase City...

[@nebekoronius5739]

Ha! Love the UHF reference there @ 1:15! Great movie.

[@junkbot931]

Its GO time!

[@lanav9679]

D-Ultimate Super Cool !!

[@Workingcinderellaman-jw2pf]

Instead of the city of Starbase, they should name it Mos Eisley. They could build a cantina and have really cool synth bands play there.

[@LindaMadlala]

Starbase City, Texas sounds good. Will visit soon 🇿🇦🤳

[@matthewslome4786]

Love a good UHF reference.

[@peteperse9932]

Sure! Why not? The City of Starbase sounds very sci-fi cool!

[@wrightwillingham4462]

I think making Starship into a city is a win, win situation.

[@jbaltermia]

StarBase City should become a reality.

[@generic260]

Starbase City will be the coolest place to live in the USA by a wide margin.

[@GearsnGadgets]

could you maybe go back to untranslated titles? i always get them in german now and it makes me click your videos less

[@lucidicle]

@@GearsnGadgets press and hold captions option on top i can find options for different languages

[@achimaufachse5925]

KZbin translates those titles automaticly...

[@mrdebris1217]

Your decision to watch or watch not a new WAI-Video is ruled by an automatically translated title? Weird.

[@aone9050]

I wonder if it's because it sounds more cringe due to not being properly translated?

[@A2Z1Two3]

They can not be held responsible for people's inadequacies to follow simple instructions 😢

[@earth2006]

They could sacrifice the booster with an ocean landing to keep the catching tower available for Starship.

[@timwilliam8045]

Name it Mos Eisley!