|
SpaceX confirms switch to Raptor2 engines for Orbital
Elon Musk has announced (Twitter) that the first orbital Starship launch is being delayed till May to allow for Raptor2 engines to be used in the booster. They now have sufficient Raptor2s (39) to fit out the orbital booster. It is likely Booster B4 will be scrapped now, and one of the new design boosters (B7 maybe, which is nearing completion), will make the flight. Several design changes have been made, not the least of which is the tank dome to support Raptor2 engines.
Of course the FAA has still not said anything about the launch approval (now suppose to be approved, or not, by end of March).
|