SpaceX shows what a Starship launch could look like

SpaceX is breaking news about its Starship project, a giant launch vehicle that could revolutionize space travel.

Elon Musk just broke the big news about the Starship launcher, and during his presentation, SpaceX showed what such a giant launch system could look like. The Starship system consists of a Starship on a super heavy booster. SpaceX is working on making the kit fast and reusable for missions to the Moon and Mars. After leaving our planet, the launch vehicle separates and returns to the launch pad. The ship continues on its way to its destination before returning to Earth.

SpaceX announces news about its Starship project

The SpaceX CEO explained that the booster will spend only six minutes in flight. Two minutes to climb and four to return. In the future, this system could be reused every six to eight hours for three launches per day. All of this is “critical for a future in which humanity explores the stars.” Elon Musk also mentioned liquid oxygen refueling missions in orbit, an absolute must for long flights.

The super-heavy booster has more than twice the power of the largest Saturn V rocket. It uses at least 29 Raptor engines in its current version, but could eventually have 33. Version 2 of these engines, completely redesigned from the first, costs half the size and requires fewer parts. Currently, the company can produce 5 or 6 units per week, but from next month, its production capacity should reach 7 units.

Giant launcher that could revolutionize space travel

In addition to being able to carry hundreds of tons of equipment, Starship could revolutionize space travel if SpaceX makes it as affordable as Elon Musk announced. In his own words, a Starship launch will cost less than $10 million per flight in two to three years. Therefore, much less than with the Falcon 9, which is valued at around $60 million.

SpaceX also wants to launch its starship from its starbase center in Boca Chica, Texas, where the prototype rocket is currently being produced. The company still needs to get permission from the FAA, which is important. Perhaps the answer will come next month. SpaceX also expects its rocket to be ready by then. So the first orbital test flight of Starship could happen soon. To be continued!