SpaceX Starbase Pad 2 Full Water Deluge Test Ahead of Flight 12

Pad 2 Deluge Test Preparations

• 🚀 A massive Pad 2 deluge test was conducted at Starbase, marking a significant readiness step ahead of Flight 12.
• 🛠️ Preparations included a booster stand fit check, with the stand being moved to and from Pad 2, likely for adjustments.
• 🏗️ Scaffolding was removed from the top of Pad 2, indicating progress in its testing phase.
• 🚚 Sheet piles were delivered, intended for Pad 1 construction, contributing to the expansion of the launch site.

Pad 2 System Testing

• 💧 The Pad 2 deluge system underwent a full test, with water filling the top plate and being released.
• 💨 A detonation suppression system (DSS) test was also performed, designed to control the air mix with nitrogen and water to prevent detonations.
• ⚙️ The chopstick carriage and chopsticks themselves were tested, showing their movement and function on the launch tower.
• 📹 Cameras positioned under the Orbital Launch Mount (OLM) were observed retracting, with their operational role during launch being a point of curiosity.

Deluge Test Observations

• 🌊 The full deluge test produced a significant water mist that extended far beyond the immediate test area, even reaching the road.
• ⚠️ A compactor vehicle was observed driving towards the deluge area, prompting a decision to reverse away as the water crashed over the barrier.
• 🚀 The angle of the exhaust from Pad 2's design was noted, raising questions about how clear the base of the booster will be during liftoff shots compared to Pad 1.
• 🎨 The launch tower at Pad 2 was also observed being painted.

Starbase Site Progress

• 🏭 Construction continues on the Air Separation Unit (ASU), with pipes not yet fully connected.
• 🏗️ Significant dirt work and sheet piling are underway for a massive expansion of Pad 1 and Pad 2 areas.
• 🪵 Cribbing was prepared in front of a large crawler crane to spread its load and stabilize it on unprepared ground.
• 🚧 Construction is also occurring across from the Star Factory and Gigafactory entrances, involving the installation of concrete turning radius pads.
• 🏗️ The Masseys truss structure is continuing to be assembled, with a quick disconnect and scaffolding staircase visible.