SpaceX’s Booster 18 Disassembly: A Prelude to Starship Innovations

After Booster 18, intended to be the debut Super Heavy booster for the new generation Starship, was destroyed, it began to be cut directly on the test site. The completely exploded booster could not be dismantled whole, so the Booster 18 launch vehicle was cut in half. Meanwhile, SpaceX anticipates that Booster 19 will be assembled next month to be used for Flight 12 in the early part of next year.

Concurrently, a truck with Raptor 3 engines, the latest version of the powerplant to be used on both stages of the new generation Starship rocket, was spotted at the spaceport. Earlier this month, it was reported that SpaceX has already manufactured at least 54 third-generation Raptors. By now, there are clearly more.

The Raptor 3 is a fully redesigned version of the methane engine, featuring increased thrust, improved thermal resistance, and a simplified design, reducing production cost while increasing reliability. The new modification will form the basis for serial Starship launches and further missions under the Moon and Mars exploration program.