SpaceX clears Ship 39 for first ever cryo proof test

SpaceX just cleared a major step toward the Starship Flight 12 with Ship 39, which passed its first cryogenic proof test at Massey’s outpost near Starbase. This test comes a week after the rollout as teams loaded the tanks with liquid nitrogen to hit the extreme cold needed for real flights.

Images and visual shows that the ship remained calm during the pressure testing, with solid frost buildup across the hull, and then detanked without any issues. The cryo-proof checks every weld and tank under the same stresses that liquid methane and oxygen will produce during an actual launch.

SpaceX engineers used it to test new truss structures that support flaps and lifting pins. The vehicle is designed to fill extra propellant thanks to a reshaped common dome that packs in more methane and lowers the oxygen tank floor just enough for added capacity. This vehicle will be the first to equip Raptor 3 engines, producing higher thrust, efficient assembly, and no heavy shielding, which drops overall mass and boosts reusability.

SpaceX is conducting the first cryo-proof test on Ship 39 (Source – Starshipgazer)

Earlier test articles like S39.1 already ran partial and full cryo loads at the same site to shake out the process. On the other hand, the Super Heavy Version 3 boosters offer the same upgrades. Booster 19 now carries 33 Raptor 3 engines and recently picked up its grid fins during night work inside the production bay. Teams also finished common dome tests on related hardware like B18.3 to confirm the new design holds up.

Flight 12 will mark the debut of these Block 3 upgrades and target a large group this month. However, any change in design and upgrades could delay the flight to early April. The flight focuses on proving the upgraded heat shield, larger flaps, and refueling hardware while aiming for safe ocean splashdowns before any tower catch attempts. Success with this flight test will open the door to Starlink V3 batch deployment.

As of today, Ship 39 sits ready for its next full-duration cryo run while Booster 19 advances at the pad. Chopsticks on Pad 2 already ran movement tests, and production keeps stacking Ship 40 right behind.

The company will continue to perform cryo-proof tests until it is satisfied with the results and send the ship back to the factory for engine assembly for static fire.