SpaceX’s Vision for Starship Fourth Generation
Elon Musk announced that the fourth-generation Starship rocket system will achieve a total thrust of up to 10,000 tons with the help of its 33 engines, each capable of approximately 300 tons of thrust. This makes the rocket three times more powerful than the legendary Saturn V, which took humans to the Moon. Remember, the first-generation Starship (V1) had a height of about 120 meters, was equipped with 33 Raptor engines, and characterized by a launch thrust of 7,590 tons.
The fourth generation is not just more powerful but also larger in size. With every new generation, Starship developers are tackling the challenge of improving methane combustion efficiency and drastically reducing costs, allowing for frequent and fully reusable space launches.
SpaceX’s Ongoing Developments
Last year, SpaceX completed testing of the second-generation Starship and is currently preparing for the 12th launch, which will involve using the spacecraft and booster block of the third generation. Their launch is expected in the first quarter of 2026. At the Starbase spaceport, where SpaceX is actively advancing the Starship project, the second launch platform OLM-B is almost ready, as revealed by new aerial images.
As reported, SpaceX simultaneously tested two new elements of the next-generation Starship rocket. This comes at a time when the company’s efforts to make space travel more cost-efficient and reusable are more significant than ever.
