Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
SpaceX has created a new engine called Raptor 3. It is more powerful, works better, and has a cleaner look than the earlier versions. But there are two big challenges.
Elon Musk explained that starting the engine is very tricky. Everything has to happen at the perfect moment. If even one small thing is off, the engine might explode. And if something goes wrong, fixing it is not simple either.
The engine is built as one solid piece. Instead of using bolts or connectors, everything is welded together. This makes it stronger and lighter, but it also makes it very hard to take apart. If anything inside gets damaged, the only way to repair it is to cut into the engine.
So, we have an engine that is very difficult to start and also very hard to repair. lets explore what problems SpaceX faces, why they made these bold choices, and whether this engine can still lead the way to human space travel to Mars.
The startup process is very difficult. Musk said that the steps to start the engine need perfect timing. If even one part happens too early or too late, the engine could blow up.
Let’s go over what happens when Raptor 3 starts:
Before the engine can start, certain parts need to be super cold. This is because the fuel itself is extremely cold. If those engine parts are still warm, they might crack the moment the freezing fuel touches them.
Then come the spinning pumps. These pumps are in charge of sending the liquid oxygen and methane into the engine. But they have to spin just right. Too slow or too fast, and the engine won't work.
SpaceX has created a new engine called Raptor 3. It is more powerful, works better, and has a cleaner look than the earlier versions. But there are two big challenges.
Elon Musk explained that starting the engine is very tricky. Everything has to happen at the perfect moment. If even one small thing is off, the engine might explode. And if something goes wrong, fixing it is not simple either.
The engine is built as one solid piece. Instead of using bolts or connectors, everything is welded together. This makes it stronger and lighter, but it also makes it very hard to take apart. If anything inside gets damaged, the only way to repair it is to cut into the engine.
So, we have an engine that is very difficult to start and also very hard to repair. lets explore what problems SpaceX faces, why they made these bold choices, and whether this engine can still lead the way to human space travel to Mars.
The startup process is very difficult. Musk said that the steps to start the engine need perfect timing. If even one part happens too early or too late, the engine could blow up.
Let’s go over what happens when Raptor 3 starts:
Before the engine can start, certain parts need to be super cold. This is because the fuel itself is extremely cold. If those engine parts are still warm, they might crack the moment the freezing fuel touches them.
Then come the spinning pumps. These pumps are in charge of sending the liquid oxygen and methane into the engine. But they have to spin just right. Too slow or too fast, and the engine won't work.
