SpaceX Starbase Construction and Test Tank Activity | February 11-14

Starbase Construction Updates

• 🏗️ The Gigafactory construction is progressing, with comparisons being made to the build at the Cape.
• 🛠️ Work continues on a new ship stand, potentially for static fires, featuring a unique "crab leg" design.
• 🚧 Road construction is underway, with plans to widen the road to accommodate easier turning of large vehicles.
• 🏢 The Apartment Factory is seeing internal structures being added, with a distinctive angular, tilted design reminiscent of other SpaceX facilities.

Pad 2 and Launch Infrastructure

• 🥢 Multiple views show work on the chopsticks at Pad 2, including cleaning the carriage and raising them to the top of the tower, possibly in preparation for booster integration.
• 🛰️ The Ship Quick Disconnect (QD) arm at Pad 2 is also visible, with observations on how lighting affects its appearance.
• 🏗️ A large new crane is being assembled at Pad 2, taller than the tower itself, suggesting it may be used for installing the tower's deck.
• 🚧 Groundworks and expansion efforts are ongoing near Pad 1, with observations on the use of tracked dump trucks potentially due to soft soil conditions.
• 🧱 Sheet piling work is commencing for Pad 1's trench area to prevent wall collapse during excavation.

ASU and Equipment Maintenance

• ⚙️ Continued work on the ASU (Automated Service Unit) includes adding more plumbing.
• 📉 A crane at the ASU is observed being lowered completely, indicating maintenance or repositioning.
• 🚗 A section of Highway 4 has been repaved, offering a smoother driving surface.

Test Tank Operations

• 🚀 A test tank is being disconnected and removed from the test stand at Massey's.
• 🧐 The test tank is noted for its unusual side holes, which are discussed as not being for thrusters but for diagonal force application.
• 🔩 Visible mounts on the underside of the test tank are highlighted, with variations in coloration and visibility.

Wildlife and General Observations

• 🐺 Coyotes are seen roaming the Starbase area, appearing well-fed and accustomed to the construction activity.
• 🎤 The narrator mentions supporting an astronaut talk at the Intrepid Museum in New York during the video's production period.