SpaceX's Pad 2 at Starbase is continuing to refine its preparations for the return of Booster 19, with deluge testing and even load testing the Ship Quick Disconnect (SQD) arm.
This week, technicians added steel reinforcements to the lower side of the arm's shoulder section. These additions are believed to strengthen the structure while enabling the arm to retract more quickly during launch. A faster swing-out reduces the risk of damage from the intense exhaust plume of Super Heavy's 33 Raptor engines at liftoff.
This time, Flight 12's booster will be sporting its full complement of 33 engines, with the subsequent Static Fire test the biggest milestone for the pad ahead of launch in May.
