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Prototype of Mars-bound rocket
Why is it in news?
- SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has unveiled the first pictures of a retro-looking, steely rocket called Starship that may one day carry people to the Moon and Mars.
Important SpaceX projects
- Missions to Mars:(1) Goal: To send first cargo mission to Mars in 2022.(2) Objectives for the first mission: To confirm water resources, identify hazards, and put in place initial power, mining, and life support infrastructure.(3) Objectives for the second mission:(4) A second mission, with both cargo and crew, is targeted for 2024.(5) Objectives: building a propellant depot and preparing for future crew flights.(6) The ships from these initial missions will also serve as the beginnings of the first Mars base.(7) Later, build a thriving city and eventually a self-sustaining civilization on Mars.
- Private Lunar Mission:(1) SpaceX announced fashion innovator and globally recognized art curator Yusaku Maezawa will be the company’s first private passenger to fly around the Moon in 2023.(2) To date, only 24 people have visited the Moon, with the last of them flying in 1972.(3) This first private lunar passenger flight, featuring a fly-by of the Moon as part of a weeklong mission.(4) It will help in fund development of SpaceX's Starship and Super Heavy (formerly known as BFR), an important step in enabling access for everyday people who dream of flying to space.
- STARSHIP AND SUPER HEAVY:(1) SpaceX's Starship and Super Heavy Rocket represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to service all Earth orbit needs as well as the Moon and Mars.(2) This two-stage vehicle—composed of the Super Heavy rocket (booster) and Starship (ship)—will eventually replace Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and Dragon.(3) By creating a single system that can service a variety of markets, SpaceX can redirect resources from Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and Dragon to Starship—which is fundamental in making the system affordable.
Source
The Hindu, SpaceX