What is the Deal With SpaceX’s Starship? (Redux)

Upper Stage

The Starship's upper stage is a groundbreaking innovation in space technology. Originally intended to be made from carbon fiber, it now uses stainless steel, which is heavier but more cost-effective and easier to produce. This stage has undergone several tests, achieving a successful landing after reaching 12 km in altitude. Gary Arndt explains the versatility of the Starship, noting that different versions are planned for various missions, including satellite deployment, lunar and Martian landings, and even space tourism.

The interior volume of a single starship is greater than that of the entire International Space Station.

--- Gary Arndt

This capacity could revolutionize space travel, allowing over 100 people to orbit at once and enabling rapid Earth-to-Earth travel 1.

   

Testing & Engines

Testing of the Starship system has shown promising results despite challenges. A recent launch saw all 33 Raptor engines function flawlessly, achieving stage separation before encountering issues with the first stage's return. Gary Arndt highlights the Raptor engine's unique use of liquid methane, which burns cleaner than kerosene, allowing for reuse without extensive cleaning.

The Raptor engine will be the first rocket engine to actually be put into production that will run on liquid methane.

--- Gary Arndt

The potential for mass production of these engines and the Starship itself could drastically reduce space access costs, akin to the transformative effects of the automobile and the Internet 2 3.