SpaceX Accelerates Starship Program: Pad 2 Prepares for First Major Test with Booster 19

A New Era for Starbase

Launch Pad 2 at SpaceX’s Starbase facility is poised for its first major trial later this month, with the arrival of Super Heavy Booster 19 for static fire tests. This milestone signals a significant ramp-up in the Starship program, as the company works to bring a second orbital launch pad online. The activation of Pad 2 is a critical step toward achieving a higher launch cadence, essential for building out the Starlink constellation and advancing NASA’s Artemis moon missions.

Booster 19: Forged in Ice

Booster 19, the Super Heavy Block 3 designated for Starship Flight 12, recently concluded an extensive series of cryogenic proof tests at the Massey’s test site. The booster successfully endured multiple full cycles with super-chilled liquid nitrogen, a crucial validation that addressed the structural issues leading to the loss of its predecessor, Booster 18, during similar testing in November 2025. Having passed these rigorous evaluations, the booster has been returned to the Megabay for the installation of its 33 next-generation Raptor 3 engines, preparing it for the upcoming hot-fire campaign.

Pad 2 Nears Completion

Final preparations are underway at Launch Pad 2, including enhancements to the quick-disconnect arm for the Starship vehicle. A successful full-duration test of the pad’s massive water deluge system was recently conducted, a vital upgrade to protect the launch mount from the immense heat and force of the 33 Raptor engines. This system is a key lesson learned from damage sustained by Pad 1 during earlier flights. Additionally, a Buckner-owned LR11000 crawler crane is scheduled to install a new protective roof on the launch tower between February 13 and March 16, according to FAA documents. This structure is believed to be part of the infrastructure for future attempts to catch the Super Heavy booster and Starship with the tower’s mechanical arms, known as ‘Mechazilla’.

A key remaining step for the new pad is its first full cryogenic fuel load, which has sparked debate on whether SpaceX will conduct a full wet dress rehearsal (WDR) with both the booster and Starship stacked on the pad before the static fire tests.

A Two-Pad Future: Pad 1’s Major Overhaul

While Pad 2 takes the lead for upcoming missions, SpaceX is aggressively upgrading Pad 1 to the latest Block 3-compatible standards. This extensive demolition and reconstruction effort, which began after Flight 11, includes installing a new water-cooled flame deflector, a flame trench, and an updated orbital launch mount to match Pad 2’s more robust design. The goal is to have two fully operational and capable launch pads at Starbase, allowing for a launch and test cadence previously unattainable. This dual-pad strategy is fundamental to SpaceX’s rapid iterative development approach and its long-term ambitions.

The Road Ahead: Accelerating Towards Orbit and Beyond

The activation of Pad 2 and the overhaul of Pad 1 are pivotal for SpaceX’s plans. With the FAA having approved an increase in the annual launch license from five to 25 flights, the infrastructure must be able to support this accelerated pace. A two-pad system provides redundancy, minimizes downtime between launches, and allows for parallel testing and launch campaigns. This increased operational capacity is crucial for deploying the next generation of Starlink satellites, fulfilling contractual obligations for NASA’s Artemis program, and ultimately, taking the next steps toward human exploration of Mars.