The largest launch rocket in the world has been pre-assembled. The structure was created at the facilities of SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Muska, in Boca Chica, Texas. In the future, the rocket is to be used for flights to the Moon and Mars.
The largest rocket in the world by SpaceX
The rocket consists of two segments – the upper one called Starship and the lower one (booster) called Super Heavy. After combining them, with the help of a powerful crane, a system was created 120 meters high, higher and stronger than the famous Saturn V rocket, which was used in the Apollo program to fly to the moon.
It was a trial assembly, after which the rocket units were disconnected again.
As reported in the company’s announcement, the rocket’s engines produce a thrust of 70 meganewtons, while the Saturn V’s engines produced about 35 meganewtons (1 meganewton equals 1 million newtons).
The Super Heavy unit has 29 engines that burn gaseous fuel consisting mainly of methane.
The most powerful rocket in use today is also SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, which produces around 23 meganewtons at launch.
When was the first flight of the world’s largest carrier rocket?
The first flight of the new rocket is not expected to take place in a few months, but, as Elon Musk assures, before the end of 2021. The Starship member is to go around the Earth once and fall down to the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. The Super Heavy engine is set to end its flight in the Gulf of Mexico.
However, the next flights will end with a controlled landing or launching, which will allow the rocket to be reused.
SpaceX boss and owner Elon Musk says the Starship system, once all development is complete, will be more than adequate for manned flights to the Moon and Mars. Musk described the trial editing as “a dream come true”.
NASA’s federal space agency has already ordered a manned flight from Starship to the Moon’s South Pole. The mission is expected to take place later this decade.
Main photo source: Newscom / PAP / EPA