Hm, so the launch date has slipped to 2027. Still ahead of everyone else, but starting to inch closer to the 2030 retirement of the ISS…

2026-01-20:

• Launch site: Overnight, a large tank is moved from Brownsville Port to Pad 2. (Avid Space, ViX, Gisler)
• During the day, another tank is delivered to the air separation site. (ViX)
• The LR11000 crane is raised, and weights are added to the rear ballast tray. With the LR1500 crane, it executes a dual lift of the newly delivered tank. (ViX)
• Another road delay for “Port of Brownsville to Pad” is posted for Jan 20th 23:59 to Jan 21st 04:00, likely for delivery of a second tank similar to the one the previous night. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX)
• Drilling begins for the Pad 1 flame trench. (Golden, Anderson 1, Anderson 2, Anderson 3)
• Build site: A four-ring barrel section exits Megabay 2 and moves to Sanchez, presumably for scrapping. (ViX)
• Aft flap 2 of 2 (flap 4 of 4) is installed on S39. (ViX, Velocity_Photos)
• Massey’s: Overnight, test tank 39.1 performs its 6th cryo test. (ViX)
• A second V-shaped section is lifted and welded to the mystery structure, then possibly cut free and removed. (ViX 1, ViX 2)
• The can-crusher surrounding test tank 17 (B18.1) is being dismantled. (ViX)
• B18.3 is crush-tested to failure, buckling just below the common dome. (Avid Space, efraser77, colleenliedtke, Golden 1, Golden 2)

2026-01-19:

• Massey’s: Overnight, the booster cryo stand moves from Massey’s to the build site. (NSF, ViX, Gisler, Sorensen)
• S39.1 performs its 5th cryo test. (NSF, ViX, cnunez)
• A V-shaped section is lifted for welding to the mystery structure. (ViX)
• Build site: Aft flap 1 of 2 is installed on S39. (Avid Space, ViX)
• Launch site: Road delay is posted for Jan 19th 23:59 to Jan 20th 04:00 for “Port of Brownsville to Pad”, possibly for delivery of a tank at the air separation site. (starbase.texas.gov, archive, ViX, Anderson, Guidry)
• Two new vaporisers are delivered and lifted into place at the tank farm. (ViX)
• The LR1500 crane is erected, and the LR11000 crane is laid back down. (ViX, Gisler)
• Pouring of the concrete wall near Pad 2 continues. (ViX)
• Zack Golden speculates on Pad 1 upgrades.

2026-01-18:

• Massey’s: Road delay is in place for Jan 18th 23:59 to Jan 19th 04:00 for “Masseys to Production”, likely for the transport of the booster cryo test stand. (ViX, RoughRidersShow)
• Air separation site: Reassembly of the LR11000 crane is completed. (ViX, wvmattz)
• Assembly of the LR1500 (or LR1300?) crane continues. (ViX)
• Florida: Gigabay construction continues. (CarstensPete, rbalephoto)

SECO, nominal orbit insertion.

Stage 1 landing confirmed!

MECO, stage separation, M-vac ignition, and fairing separation.

Liftoff!

Group 6-100, but not the 100th launch of Group 6, as Starlink Group 6-50 has not (yet?) been launched for some reason.

2026-01-17:

• Massey’s: Overnight, test tanks S39.1 and B18.3 perform cryo tests. (ViX)
• Road delay is posted for Jan 18th 23:59 to Jan 19th 04:00 for “Masseys to Production”. (starbase.texas.gov, archive)
• Air separation site: More parts for reconfiguration of the LR11000 crane are delivered. Assembly of a LR1300 crane also begins. (ViX 1, ViX 2, Sorensen)

2026-01-16:

• Jan 15th addendum: The methane and LOx booster quick disconnects are tested a couple times and left in the extended position, possibly to allow access behind. (ViX)
• Launch site: Overnight, the SpaceX LR11000 crane is moved from Pad 2 to the air separation site. (NSF, Avid Space, ViX, Sorensen)
• Reassembly of the LR11000 crane begins. (ViX, cnunez)
• The Pad 2 chopsticks and ship quick disconnect are tested. (Avid Space, ViX, Anderson)
• RGV Aerial post recent flyover photos of Pad 2.
• Build site: Gigabay construction continues. (Gisler 1, Gisler 2)
• SpaceX subtly rickroll NASASpaceflight viewers. (Anderson)
• Massey’s: Overnight, possible ambient temperature pressure test on one or more of the tanks, difficult to tell which. (ViX)
• Interesting horizon refraction phenomenon visible on Avid Space Rocket Ranch Cam. (ViX)
• Gisler posts photos of the mystery structure (static fire stand?) and B18.3 in the can crusher assembly.
• B18.3 begins its 9th test, and S39.1 begins its 4th test. (wvmattz, TrackingTheSB)

M-vac shutdown around T+8:30.

No further coverage of stage 2; webcast ending.

Stage 1 landing confirmed!

“Read 'em and weep”, California. I’ll not be visiting the U.S. in the next few years if I can avoid it.