SpaceX upgrades everything on Raptor Engines is totally thrilling Scientist’s minds…
Huge thanks to:
Starship Gazer:
LabPadre:
Ezekiel Overstreet:
Everyday Astronaut:
Justin Swartz:
Starbase Surfer:
Kevin Randolph: \
What about it!?:
ErcX:
=======
“It’s a spectacular piece of engineering, but extremely difficult to make and succeed at. This engine has been mind-bogglingly difficult, but it is essential to making Starship work.
This is definitely the reason SpaceX must continuously switch over from the version of Raptor that was used on Starhopper, SN5, SN6, SN8, SN9, SN10, and SN11: Raptor v1.0 and the version of Raptor used on SN15, S20, and B4: Raptor v1.5 into the next generation of Raptor: Raptor 2.
The new version has definitely a large number of performance and reliability improvements that is totally thrilling Scientist’s minds…
So, what are those insane upgrades?
Why it’s so special and blows your mind?
what exactly did SpaceX change on Raptor 2 and why are these changes advantageous to Starship?
Let’s find out in today’s episode of Alpha Tech:
While Raptor 1 has been refined over the years, it is now an old design. Its construction is complex, difficult to manufacture, and has a long turnaround between launches. It also has hit a thrust ceiling of 185 tons, meaning it will struggle to reach Musk’s demands for a Mars-bound Starship.
SpaceX’s solution is the Raptor 2, an engine capable of taking us to Mars and beyond. This isn’t just an updated Raptor 1, but an entirely new design from the ground up that can outstrip its predecessor in every metric.
But first, let’s look at its similarities:
SpaceX casts Raptor engine parts from Supersteel Alloys. Inconel is a family of austenitic nickel-chromium-based superalloys. Inconel alloys are heat and oxidation-resistant materials.
===
SpaceX upgrades everything on Raptor Engines is totally thrilling Scientist’s minds…
