SpaceX has successfully completed its 10th test flight of the Starship spacecraft, a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious plan to settle Mars. The latest iteration of Starship, Version 2, has performed well and checked all its boxes, paving the way for future upgrades.
To achieve its goal of establishing a human presence on Mars, SpaceX needs a more powerful launcher than ever before. Elon Musk plans to add even larger engines to the Starship, with the next iteration, V3, expected to be 408 feet tall. The ultimate goal is to send Starship V4, which will stand at an impressive 466 feet and have 42 engines.
SpaceX aims to launch its first-ever Starship Red Planet missions in 2026, with uncrewed test flights targeting Mars. These missions will involve landing minimally viable landers on the Martian surface, a crucial step towards establishing a human presence.
To achieve this goal, SpaceX is working on overcoming several challenges, including perfecting the heat shield and filling the upper stage’s tanks in Earth orbit. The company plans to demonstrate orbiting refueling with Starship next year, which will be a significant technological hurdle.
Despite these challenges, Elon Musk remains optimistic about the project’s prospects. He expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, stating that they will land ships on Mars and build life on the planet.
As SpaceX continues to push forward with its ambitious plans, the company is also offering fans a chance to own a Starship die-cast model, which can be purchased on Amazon for $47.99.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/whats-next-for-spacexs-starship-mars-rocket-after-flight-10-success