Starship finally broke a losing streak of back-to-back flops, acing its 10th suborbital flight last month. Following the rocket’s success, SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk is now confident that the massive vehicle will begin flying payloads to space in 2026.
During an interview with the All-In Podcast, Musk explained how an upgraded version of Starship will reach orbit by next year and demonstrate full reusability of the Super Heavy booster and its upper stage. “Unless we have some very major setbacks, SpaceX will demonstrate full reusability next year, catching both the booster and the ship and being able to deliver over 100 tons to a useful orbit,” he said.
Starship’s latest flight was a success, but it did follow a string of launches where the rocket failed to meet its mission objectives. It would be foolish to assume SpaceX can get its rocket operational by next year without seeing how the next couple of launches stack up to Starship’s recent track record.
Upgraded Starship
Starship version 3 is a next-generation upgrade to the current prototype, featuring a larger vehicle that’s capable of carrying more propellant. The rocket will also use a more powerful and efficient version of its engines, the third-generation Raptor engines.
Musk emphasized that “pretty much everything changes on the rocket with version 3,” while adding that it will be a learning curve for the company to fly the upgraded version. The upgraded Starship “might have some initial teething pains because it’s such a radical redesign,” he said.
The current version of Starship is set to fly once more this year before switching to version 3, according to Musk.
It’s the heat shield, stupid
Starship lifted off for its 10th test flight on August 26 from SpaceX’s launch pad in Starbase, Texas. Following a string of unsuccessful flights, SpaceX needed to pull off Starship’s fourth launch of the year to get its megarocket back on track.
After days of anticipation, the rocket had a near-flawless performance, executing a smooth separation and booster landing. Around 18 minutes after liftoff, the rocket opened its bay doors and deployed Starlink mockups, marking the first time Starship ejected payloads into space.
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