How Does SpaceX Build Starships at Starbase? From Steel to Starship.

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How Does SpaceX Build The Largest Rocket In The World? SpaceX builds Starships out in the open at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. We took this incredible opportunity to learn a bit more about the process from STEEL to STARSHIP. Complete with new renderings by Ring Watchers member Chameleon Circuit.

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❤️ Special Thanks to The Ring Watchers (@ringwatchers).

🤵 Hosted by Ryan Caton (@DPodDolphinPro).
✍️ Written by Ian Atkinson (@IanPineapple).
🎥 Video from Michael Baylor (@nextspaceflight), Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer), Nic Ansuini, Mary (@BocaChicaGal), John Galloway (@KSpaceAcademy, and SpaceX.
🖥️ Graphics by Chameleon Circuit (@ChameleonCir).
✂️ Edited by Ryan Caton (@DPodDolphinPro).
💼 Produced by Kevin Michael Reed (@kmreed).

🔍 All content copyright to NSF. Not to be used elsewhere without explicit permission from NSF.

L2 Boca Chica (more clips and photos) from BC’s very early days to today.
🔗 https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=47107.0
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#starship #spacex #starbase #bocachica #texas #buildingarocket

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42 thoughts on “How Does SpaceX Build Starships at Starbase? From Steel to Starship.”

  3. I have often wondered why Space X is not looking into making the star ship from a single pc. of seamless tube (except for the nose cone, that could be hydro formed ?) They would have to scale up a technology that is currently available. It would eliminate all the stress points of welding and possible stress/ fracture points.
    Cost would come down in the long run I would think.

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  11. Starship is made of 19 rings:
    Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,

    Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,

    Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die
    ))

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  16. The FAA is to blame for not issuing many licenses over the last 2 years.

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating and licensing commercial space launches in the United States, including those conducted by private companies like SpaceX. To accommodate rapid design and testing of spacecraft, the FAA has to be flexible and adaptive to the evolving needs of the industry.

    One way the FAA has adjusted its licensing policy is by implementing a "streamlined" review process for reusable launch vehicles like the SpaceX Starship. This process allows for multiple launches under a single license, as long as the vehicle design remains largely unchanged. This means that SpaceX can conduct more launches without having to go through the entire licensing process each time.

    In terms of safety regulations, the FAA requires that companies like SpaceX demonstrate that their launch vehicles are safe and reliable. This includes testing of all vehicle components, including the flame diverter that you mentioned.

    If ongoing tests had been done and a booster had flown alone sub-orbital, and it was discovered that a flame diverter was needed, SpaceX would have had to address the issue before the next launch. The FAA would require SpaceX to demonstrate that the issue had been fixed before approving another launch.

    Overall, the FAA is constantly adapting and adjusting its licensing policies to accommodate the rapid innovation and testing in the commercial space industry, while still ensuring public safety.

    To be more in line with the type of rapid design and testing that is common SpaceX, the FAA could consider several strategies:

    1. Implement a more agile regulatory framework: The FAA could adopt a more flexible and adaptive regulatory framework that can keep pace with the rapid innovation and testing in the commercial space industry. This could include allowing for more experimental launches under temporary permits or easing some safety regulations for reusable launch vehicles with a proven safety record.

    2. Enhance collaboration and communication with industry stakeholders: The FAA could work more closely with commercial space companies to gain a better understanding of their needs and challenges. The agency could collaborate with industry stakeholders to develop safety standards and best practices that are more aligned with the unique features of the new launch vehicles.

    3. Invest in technology and expertise: The FAA could invest in developing and enhancing its technology and expertise to improve safety and regulatory oversight. This could include improving its analytical capabilities, enhancing its simulation tools, and hiring more experts in areas like materials science and propulsion technology.

    4. Foster a culture of innovation: The FAA could encourage innovation in the commercial space industry by promoting a culture of safety and responsible risk-taking. This could include providing incentives for companies that prioritize safety and sustainability, recognizing companies that achieve breakthroughs in technology and safety, and encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration among industry stakeholders.

    Overall, the FAA could take a more proactive and collaborative approach to regulation to ensure that it is keeping pace with the rapidly evolving commercial space industry while maintaining safety and security for the public.

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  19. You know, building this stuff on a beach instead of a clean room has often been taken as a sign of unprofessionalism, with bad working conditions for something that needs to be built with precision in mind. Also those letters saying "please skip thanksgiving" are really bad to hear Elon.
    But if they manage to do it, these workers should get a ride on top at some point for all their hard work. I'm sure they could even build one on Mars 🙂

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  24. Awesome video guys! One thing I'd like to say though, is that you could differentiate between "will be" and "is" a little more. I don't like the thought of someone not being that deep into starship thinking they already launch starlink satellites regularly using SS.

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  39. Would be nice if you could cover the interior details a little, how they make them so they don't crumple without being pressurised in ground handling etc

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  41. guys, this is a very VERY excellent overview, well done, we need more…..WE NEED MORE….anon. Love ja. ( we build stainless beer and grain tanks so we know the issues…..😬

    Reply

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