SpaceX initiates major upgrades at Starbase’s Pad 1 to improve launch capabilities and support future missions

SpaceX has embarked on a major renovation project at its Starbase facility in Texas, focusing on upgrading Pad 1 to enhance its compatibility with the advanced capabilities of Pad 2. This initiative follows the successful completion of the Flight 11 mission and involves extensive demolition of existing launch infrastructure to prepare for the new Version 3 Starships and Super Heavy boosters.

The demolition process commenced with the removal of the “chopsticks” from the launch tower, part of the “Mechazilla system,” which is designed to catch and stack boosters and vehicles. Crews are methodically dismantling outdated components, including the sleds previously used for aligning vehicles during transport and post-catch operations. With the new designs, these sleds are no longer necessary.

Additionally, crews have extracted the ship lift pins previously used for stacking earlier models of ships. These pins are being replaced by new catch pins capable of performing both lifting and catching functions. The removal of the long wire rope used to control the chopstick carriage has led to speculation about an upgrade from the current five-loop system to a more efficient six-loop system, which is expected to enhance both stability and speed.

While there is a possibility that the chopstick system could be fully removed for off-site refurbishment, it currently appears that modifications will be carried out on-site. This improvement project reflects lessons learned from the operation of Pad 1 and the enhancements observed in Pad 2’s design, which include shorter arms for quicker movement and improved stabilizers to avoid interference with ship components during catches.

The overhaul of Pad 1 aims to standardize operations across all launch pads at Starbase, boosting efficiency and ensuring alignment with future mission requirements. This strategy aligns with SpaceX’s broader design philosophy of continuously improving its systems. Furthermore, it lays groundwork for ongoing construction at other SpaceX locations, including Kennedy Space Center’s launch pad 39A and Cape Canaveral’s SLC-37, which has been cleared for future Starship pad development.

The Orbital Launch Mount (OLM) at Pad 1 is set to undergo significant changes, with green markings indicating sections designated for cutting. Initial demolition efforts have commenced, targeting internal components such as piping, wiring, and valves ahead of the main deck removal. This marked approach suggests a careful dismantling, starting from the top of the launch mount and working downward.

At the same time, upgrades are occurring at the Pad 1 tank farm. The outdated subcoolers, pumps, and related equipment are being systematically dismantled to make way for modernized systems, with independent propellant supply operations maintained across each pad. As part of these upgrades, operations on the liquid methane side of the tank farm have also begun.

A particularly notable change is the removal of the protective berm on the eastern side of Pad 1, previously in place to shield the area from exhaust during static firings. Plans reveal that this berm will be replaced with a blast wall similar to what is featured at Pad 2, with the renovated area set to become an access road connected to a new roundabout on Highway 4.

Looking to the future, SpaceX’s expansion plans for Starbase include developing a new flame trench at Pad 1 and enhancing the deluge tank farm. These upgrades could facilitate the replacement of the existing deluge system with a more effective model, similar to those implemented at Pad 2, to improve water suppression during launches.

The extensive renovations at Pad 1 aim to prepare SpaceX for increased launch frequencies and to support advanced vehicle designs crucial to its Starlink missions, lunar endeavors under NASA’s Artemis program, and future Mars exploration plans.