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Starship Prototype Unveiled

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Re: Starship Prototype Unveiled

#341

I totally understand why they've gone for that design but the welded together steel plates really make me think of the sort of thing Wallace and Gromit would build.

I am totally with you on this - I just can't get over how utterly rudimentary and basic this thing looks! I can't wait to see it fly! I am so used to seeing space stuff done in clean rooms, and things taking years and years to come to fruition (e.g. hearing about and seeing NASA or ESA probes etc getting made) that to see what is essentially a bunch of guys in a field just welding something together blows my mind. I…

Yea it's pretty wild. Although I am certain this is just for a prototype. I think the actual ones that will be sent to the Moon & Mars will be done in a clean room.

Re: Starship Prototype Unveiled

#342
post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

SpaceX is completely changing the opportunities of getting to space. The reduction in price has been nuts. According to NASA the space shuttle was ~$450 million per launch, or $16,364 per kg to LEO. The Delta 4 Heavy is $12,156 per kg. For some launches it's even higher- the Air Force paid $15,109 per kg for four launches. The Falcon 9 is $62 million, or $2,719 per kg to LEO. The Falcon Heavy is $2,351 per kg when ex…

$100/lbs is pretty inexpensive but still high enough to cause some to spend some time with Jenny Craig before their flight.

$46/kg, or $21/lb. Probably not worth a gym membership, but it would be the most money I ever saved taking a dump.
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