Will SpaceX's Starship Be the Biggest Rocket Ever Built?

Introduction

In the intricate world of rocket engineering, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has once again pushed the boundaries with its ambitious Starship. Designed to be the largest rocket ever built, Starship aims to revolutionize space travel with its impressive height and payload capacity. This article contrasts Starship with other legendary rockets, such as the Soviet N1 rocket and NASA's Saturn V, to explore whether Starship may indeed become the largest rocket in history.

A Revolutionary Design

SpaceX's Starship is a marvel of modern aerospace engineering. Standing at approximately 120 meters (394 feet) tall when fully assembled with its Super Heavy booster, it surpasses even the iconic Saturn V rocket, making it the tallest rocket to ever stand at about 111 meters (363 feet) when fully stacked. Starship is intended for a wide range of missions, from crewed expeditions to Mars and lunar landings to satellite deployments, setting new standards in space exploration capabilities.

History and Milestones

The journey towards building Starship has been nothing short of remarkable. On August 6, 2021, SpaceX assembled its newest Starship prototype atop a Super Heavy rocket booster, creating the highest rocket ever built. This historic event marked a significant step forward in the development of Starship. Videos and imagery from this milestone can be found online, providing a visual testament to the engineering prowess behind Starship.

Size and Capacity Comparison

While Starship's size and capacity are impressive, the question remains: does it truly hold the title of the biggest rocket? This article delves into various criteria to determine if Starship can indeed claim this distinction.

Height Comparison

In a head-to-head comparison with the Soviet N1 moon rocket and NASA’s Saturn V, Starship comes out on top. The N1 stands at 103 meters (337 feet), and the Saturn V reaches 110 meters (363 feet). However, Starship towers over both at an astounding 120 meters (394 feet).

Launch Mass

When it comes to launch mass, Starship far surpasses its competitors. The N1's launch mass is 2,750 metric tonnes, while the Saturn V weighs in at 2,970 metric tonnes. Starship, on the other hand, is designed to launch between 3,500 to 5,100 metric tonnes, making it the clear winner in this category.

payload to Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO)

Another crucial metric is the payload capacity to Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO). Here, the N1 can carry 95 metric tonnes, the Saturn V can lift 140 metric tonnes, and Starship aims to achieve 100 metric tonnes, with an aspirational goal of 150 metric tonnes. This is a more subjective area, but the Saturn V might still hold a slight edge due to its proven track record.

Thrust at Takeoff

The engine thrust at takeoff also sets Starship apart. The N1 generated 45,000 kilonewtons (kN), the Saturn V produced 35,100 kN, and Starship is designed for an incredible 70,000 kN. Yet again, Starship emerges as the clear frontrunner in this category.

Subjective Judgement

From a purely aesthetic and performance standpoint, the Soviet N1 rocket stands out as a true behemoth. Its design and appearance evoke a sense of awe and intimidation. The Saturn V, on the other hand, boasts a more graceful and balanced structure. Starship, with its distinctive sleek and modular design, is the standout. In terms of subjective allure, Starship takes top honors.

Number of Successful Launches

The number of successful launches also plays a significant role in assessing the size and capability of a rocket. The N1 rocket made only four launches, all of which resulted in failures. The Saturn V, in contrast, successfully launched 13 times with no failures. Starship, while having conducted a series of successful short-hop flights, has not yet had a fully integrated stack launch as of December 2021.

Biggest Explosion

In terms of the biggest explosion, the N1 rockets stand out. The second N1 launch resulted in a catastrophic failure that not only destroyed the rocket but also heavily damaged the launch complex. Debris was found up to six miles away, making it one of the largest non-nuclear explosions on record. The Saturn V, on the other hand, never experienced an explosion during its launch sequence. Starship has also had a few explosive landings, notably with SN10, which successfully landed but then exploded eight minutes later.

Conclusion

While the criteria for measuring 'biggest' can vary, Starship appears to be well-positioned to claim the title of the largest rocket. Despite facing challenges, Starship’s sheer size and capacity, engine thrust, and visual appeal make it a formidable contender. The Saturn V remains a worthy rival, particularly due to its flawless operational record. The N1, though impressive in its own way, did not see the success needed to compete in all categories. In the grand scheme of space exploration, Starship is making a significant impact and is on track to redefine what we consider 'biggest' in the realm of rockets.