en.Wedoany.com Reported - SpaceX's Launch Pad 2 at the Starship base in Texas is undergoing final preparations for the return of Booster 19, including spray tests and load testing of the Ship Quick Disconnect (SQD) arm. The booster for the 12th flight will be equipped with all 33 engines, with the static fire test being a key milestone before the May launch.

The team has reinforced the tower and critical launch pad components, drawing on experience from Launch Pad 1 to reduce flight turnaround time. The SQD arm has received steel reinforcements to enhance structural strength and speed up retraction, reducing the risk of damage from engine exhaust. A new roof structure has been installed to protect the tower from the Starship's exhaust plume. On the Orbital Launch Mount (OLM), proximity sensors have been installed around the Booster Quick Disconnect (BQD), replacing the previous alignment pins with a sensor-based alignment system, streamlining the process and supporting rapid reuse.

The actuators of the "chopsticks" (Mechazilla arms) have been upgraded from hydraulic to electric, improving response speed. These improvements to Launch Pad 2 reflect SpaceX's iterative design approach, aimed at increasing launch frequency and reusability. Static fire testing will take place in the coming weeks in preparation for the 12th flight.

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