RGV Aerial Photography drones have captured bustling activity at the historic Pad 1 launch site in Starbase, Texas. A tall yellow crane looms over the expansive construction zone: deep excavation for foundations and a flame trench is underway, massive tower steel structures are being erected, and dozens of heavy machinery and trucks are in operation.
SpaceX is concurrently upgrading the first pad while also developing Pad 2. Construction crews are preparing to install Orbital Launch Mount (OLM) segments, reinforcing the ground, and readying flame deflector channels. This will enable the structure to withstand the colossal temperatures and shock loads from 33 Raptor 3 engines.
The legendary Pad 1 (also known as Orbital Launch Pad A or OLP-1) at SpaceX Starbase is the world’s first orbital launch complex built specifically for the giant Starship rocket. The initial 11 test flights of Starship vehicles and Super Heavy boosters were launched from this very site.
The new launch pad is slated to be ready for test launches within the next few months. Starbase is steadily transforming into a spaceport of the future.
Previously, the Super Heavy Booster B20 was shown via drone as it underwent cryogenic testing.
Starship is SpaceX’s fully reusable super heavy-lift launch vehicle and spacecraft, engineered by SpaceX for transporting cargo and crew to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and deep space. It is recognized as the largest and most powerful rocket ever built.
The 13th rocket launch is anticipated in the coming months, and by the year’s end, Starship is expected to demonstrate complete reusability, significantly reducing cargo delivery costs to a level below that of air freight.
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