Checklists for Starship Testing

​NOTE: This procedure might change with future iterations of Starships.

Prior Check:

• Road closures
• TFRs [if it's a flight test]
• Evacuation notices or overpressure notices
• Official confirmation if available

Before Tankwatching Check:

• Road closed?
• Pad cleared?
• Village evacuated? [if it's a flight test]
• ​FTS armed? [if it's a flight test]

Methane Recondenser
The main indicator that propellant loading is about to begin. You should see big white clouds coming from behind the three water tanks as the recondenser is chilled down.

Between 34 and 36 Minutes before T- 0

Skirt Vent
Clouds form under the vehicle's skirt. It is very hard to spot but a major indicator that propellant loading is underway.

Around 17 Minutes before T- 0

Methane Tank Vent
Short but high pressure vents on the upper tank or methane (CH4) tank of the vehicle.

Around 16 Minutes before T- 0

Engine Chill or Tri-Vent
Engine chill (also referred as Tri-Vent) is used to cool down the Raptor engines before ignition. This is a continuous venting from three sides of the vehicle (because of the three engines).

Expected at 11:54 Minutes before T- 0