SpaceX's Starship Overview: Next-Gen Reusable Rocket System
September 15, 2023
Starship Overview
SpaceX's Starship represents a giant leap forward in rocketry and spacecraft design.
Super Heavy provides thrust equal to approximately 5 million pounds at liftoff. It generates 16 million pounds of thrust from 33 Raptor engines fueled by liquid oxygen and methane. Over 100 metric tons can be launched to low Earth orbit.
The Starship spacecraft has both cargo and crew configurations to fulfill different mission profiles. The spacious cargo bay measures 9 meters (30 feet) wide and transports over 100 metric tons. The crew version carries up to 100 passengers in cabins, galleys, and common areas across multiple decks.
Both Starship and Super Heavy are designed for full and rapid reusability. Heat shield tiles and cold gas thrusters provide thermal protection and control during atmospheric re-entry.
Extensive testing and refinement is underway at SpaceX's Texas and Florida sites. As development continues, Starship brings SpaceX's vision of affordable, sustainable access to space closer to reality.
Raptor Engines
The Raptor engine is a reusable methane-oxygen staged-combustion engine that powers the Starship system and has twice the thrust of the Falcon 9 Merlin engine. Starship will be powered by six engines, three Raptor engines, and three Raptor Vacuum (RVac) engines, which are designed for use in the vacuum of space. Super Heavy will be powered by 33 Raptor engines, with 13 in the center and the remaining 20 around the perimeter of the booster’s aft end.
Starship Overview
SpaceX's Starship represents a giant leap forward in rocketry and spacecraft design.
Super Heavy provides thrust equal to approximately 5 million pounds at liftoff. It generates 16 million pounds of thrust from 33 Raptor engines fueled by liquid oxygen and methane. Over 100 metric tons can be launched to low Earth orbit.
The Starship spacecraft has both cargo and crew configurations to fulfill different mission profiles. The spacious cargo bay measures 9 meters (30 feet) wide and transports over 100 metric tons. The crew version carries up to 100 passengers in cabins, galleys, and common areas across multiple decks.
Both Starship and Super Heavy are designed for full and rapid reusability. Heat shield tiles and cold gas thrusters provide thermal protection and control during atmospheric re-entry.
Extensive testing and refinement is underway at SpaceX's Texas and Florida sites. As development continues, Starship brings SpaceX's vision of affordable, sustainable access to space closer to reality.
Raptor Engines
The Raptor engine is a reusable methane-oxygen staged-combustion engine that powers the Starship system and has twice the thrust of the Falcon 9 Merlin engine. Starship will be powered by six engines, three Raptor engines, and three Raptor Vacuum (RVac) engines, which are designed for use in the vacuum of space. Super Heavy will be powered by 33 Raptor engines, with 13 in the center and the remaining 20 around the perimeter of the booster’s aft end.
Starship Overview
SpaceX's Starship represents a giant leap forward in rocketry and spacecraft design.
Super Heavy provides thrust equal to approximately 5 million pounds at liftoff. It generates 16 million pounds of thrust from 33 Raptor engines fueled by liquid oxygen and methane. Over 100 metric tons can be launched to low Earth orbit.
The Starship spacecraft has both cargo and crew configurations to fulfill different mission profiles. The spacious cargo bay measures 9 meters (30 feet) wide and transports over 100 metric tons. The crew version carries up to 100 passengers in cabins, galleys, and common areas across multiple decks.
Both Starship and Super Heavy are designed for full and rapid reusability. Heat shield tiles and cold gas thrusters provide thermal protection and control during atmospheric re-entry.
Extensive testing and refinement is underway at SpaceX's Texas and Florida sites. As development continues, Starship brings SpaceX's vision of affordable, sustainable access to space closer to reality.
Raptor Engines
The Raptor engine is a reusable methane-oxygen staged-combustion engine that powers the Starship system and has twice the thrust of the Falcon 9 Merlin engine. Starship will be powered by six engines, three Raptor engines, and three Raptor Vacuum (RVac) engines, which are designed for use in the vacuum of space. Super Heavy will be powered by 33 Raptor engines, with 13 in the center and the remaining 20 around the perimeter of the booster’s aft end.
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