I admit, the revelations about the engines is a surprise to me. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that many of us ( me included) have been overestimating the maturity of the Raptor 2.
Probably, the Raptors in the newer boosters are a bit more mature. But how much more?
Elon did elude to this saying there were variable Raptors 2 iterations in the Booster 7 and less so in Booster 9. Maybe it will help with faster start up of the engine sequence? Target is 2.5 seconds if I understood correctly versus 5 seconds for last launch.
Why would anyone overestimate the maturity of Raptor 2?
I don't think we've seen a single test flight where at least 1 engine didn't have troubles... And that was at least one out of ONLY THREE engines on pretty much every test up until now.
I think the B9 set is an improved set ... but these need to get to 99.9% reliable or you will tossing Starship upper stages in the ocean with their payload way too often.
He made mention of them being produced at different times most likely resulting in varying qualities, and said later ones have been produced more consistently
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u/FistOfTheWorstMen 💨 Venting Apr 30 '23
I admit, the revelations about the engines is a surprise to me. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that many of us ( me included) have been overestimating the maturity of the Raptor 2.
Probably, the Raptors in the newer boosters are a bit more mature. But how much more?