SpaceX $2.1T IPO SEC filing; Starship Flight 12 mid-May B19 Pad-2/Tower 2/HLS Artemis IV gaps
Key Questions
What details are in SpaceX's $2.1T IPO SEC filing?
The S-1 for Project Apex values SpaceX at $2.1 trillion, highlighting Starlink's 17 million subscribers and 80% control of launch mass. It signals potential public listing changes for satellite operators. Earnings-driven pricing and disclosures are expected.
When is Starship Flight 12 scheduled and what upgrades does it feature?
Flight 12 with V3 is planned for early-mid May from B19 Pad-2 with Tower 2. It includes taller tanks for 100-200t to LEO and Raptor 3 engines tested at McGregor on April 7. Pad testing involves water deluge and chopsticks.
What caused delays in Starship V3 testing?
A Raptor V3 engine exploded during tests at Boca Chica, raising stakes for Mars ambitions. This led to Flight 12 delay to May. Additional issues prompted the pushback.
What are the OIG gaps for HLS in Artemis IV?
NASA OIG identified gaps in Human Landing System for Artemis IV in 2028. Isaacman’s admin aims to boost progress. Starship HLS readiness is questioned for the timeline.
What is the status of the Cygnus CRS-24 mission?
Cygnus CRS-24 targets April 10 launch on Falcon 9 at 8:03 a.m. EDT from Kennedy. It coincides with Artemis II midpoint. Crew preps for cargo delivery to ISS.
How will SpaceX's IPO impact satellite operators like Kuiper?
Public SpaceX means earnings-driven pricing, segment disclosures, and fiduciary duties affecting competitors. Kuiper faces FCC scrutiny amid this. It changes market dynamics.
What recent tests occurred at Starbase?
LabPadre reports April 6 testing at Pad 2 with water deluge, methane plumbing, and full-speed chopstick tests. This preps for Flight 12. V3 engine issues followed.
Is Starship HLS on track for Artemis IV in 2028?
Concerns persist over HLS readiness for 2028 despite Isaacman boost. OIG gaps and test delays raise doubts. SpaceX progresses with V3 but timeline is tight.
Full S-1 Project Apex $2.1T (Starlink 17M subs/80% launch mass control); F12 V3 early-mid May (B19 Pad-2, Raptor 3 McGregor 4/7, taller tanks 100-200t LEO); Cygnus/CRS-24 4/10; Kuiper FCC; HLS OIG gaps Artemis IV 2028/Isaacman admin boost.