Onward to Flight 13: Booster 20 Cryo | SpaceX Starbase

The video covers a busy period at Starbase following Flight 12, concluding that Pad 2 suffered only cosmetic damage to ancillary items while core structures remained intact. It highlights extensive chopsticks maintenance and upgrade work atop the tower, including the removal and reinstallation of a landing rail. A major focus is the Marmac 31 barge, intended to transport boosters and ships from Starbase to the Cape, enabling testing before direct Starship flights. Booster 20 rolled out and completed a cryo test at Massey's, where ground testing with cryogenic propellants and thrust rams simulates flight forces to catch problems early. The segment also showcases a rare close-up cryotest of the Rooster landing tank and previews the Gigabay's "ridiculously large" sliding doors, contrasting them with the Mega Bay's stacking design.

• ▶ 0:09 The video previews key Starbase topics: Post-Flight 12 Pad 2 work, chopsticks maintenance, barge Marmac 31 movements, and Booster 20 cryo test.
• ▶ 0:31 Footage from June 1st shows Pad 2 post-launch impacts, with most damage assessed as primarily cosmetic from a distance.
• ▶ 1:01 The overall conclusion is no major damage to core pad structures; noticeable damage is limited to ancillary items and perimeter wall edges.
• ▶ 1:07 Chopsticks spent extended time atop the tower for likely safety inspections, then one landing rail was removed; this may have been pre-planned upgrade work since the booster never returned for an actual landing.
• ▶ 2:40 The chopsticks made a major move and a landing rail was lifted back into place on the tower, but the work appeared to be non-structural cutting and installation.
• ▶ 3:29 Flame trench wall sections were spotted (likely temporary trench supports), and assembly of the Pad 1 service structure continued off to the side before being moved into position later.
• ▶ 4:31 The hosts spot a hovercraft in an unusual location and joke about wanting one, noting they look difficult to drive.
• ▶ 5:57 The Marmmeck 31 barge (future name YTML) is intended to transport boosters and possibly ships by sea from Starbase to the Cape, enabling launch/cryo testing until Starship can fly directly.
• ▶ 6:47 BTR2 (Booster Transport Ring) rolls out for testing/fit checks ahead of Booster 20, while STR2 is moved to Florida, and the barge departs the port.
• ▶ 7:44 Gigabay workers are installing large door rails; the host expects "ridiculously large doors," contrasting them with Mega Bay doors that collapse/stack like a deck of cards.
• ▶ 8:30 Booster 20 rolls out of Mega Bay 1, does its usual "pirouette" between the bays because of the Gigabay, then passes the rocket garden and mural.
• ▶ 9:24 The booster, with its hot staging ring visible, is headed to "Massie's" — named after the former Massie gun range owner; the host asks for confirmation on Starlink terminals on the chines.
• ▶ 10:27 Ground testing at Massey's loads cryogenic propellants and pushes/pulls the booster with big thrust rams to simulate engine forces, so problems are found on the ground rather than during flight.
• ▶ 11:46 Booster 20 completed a cryo test, with footage showing fully frosted tanks and visible depressurizations; the host notes exact success/failure details aren't always available.
• ▶ 12:25 A rare Rooster landing tank cryotest is highlighted—a tank normally hidden inside the booster—with visible frost and plumes captured in close-up.

• ▶ 0:01 Introduction and Pad 2 Damage (0:01 - 1:09) - John returns and reviews Flight 12 damage at Pad 2.
• ▶ 1:09 Chopsticks, Rail Work, and Pad 1 Service Structure (1:09 - 4:28) - Covers chopstick repairs, rail removal/reinstallation, flame trench walls, and Pad 1 service structure work.
• ▶ 4:28 Hovercraft and Barge Operations (4:28 - 7:41) - Sightings of the hovercraft, Marmmeck 31 barge, and BTR2/STR2 departure.
• ▶ 7:41 Gigabay Doors and Booster 20 Rollout (7:41 - 10:27) - Door work, Booster 20’s rollout past the mural, and notes on Starlink and Massie’s.
• ▶ 10:27 Testing and Wrap-Up (10:27 - 13:02) - Testing rationale, Booster 20 cryo test, Rooster landing tank cryotest, and sign-off.