Ian Anderson

SpaceX has just released a massive new list of changes in Starship V3, which is now scheduled to launch on May 19th: Super Heavy V3 Changes Grid Fin Redesign: • Reduced from 4 fins to 3 • Each fin is now: 50% larger, stronger, repositioned for better catching/lifting • Lowered on booster to reduce heat exposure during hot staging • Fin hardware moved inside fuel tank for protection Integrated Hot Stage: • Removes the old disposable interstage shield • Booster dome now directly exposed to upper-stage engine ignition • Tank pressure + steel shielding protect structure • Interstage actuators retract after separation for protection New Fuel Transfer System: • Massive redesign of fuel transfer tube • Roughly the size of a Falcon 9 first stage • Allows: simultaneous startup of all 33 Raptors, faster and more reliable flip maneuvers Engine Bay / Thermal Protection Changes: • Engine shrouds removed entirely • New shielding added between engines • Propulsion + avionics more tightly integrated • CO₂ fire suppression system removed • Simpler and lighter aft section Propellant Loading Improvements: • Moved from 1 quick disconnect to 2 separate systems • Adds redundancy • Reduces complexity of pad interfaces Starship V3 Changes Completely Redesigned Propulsion System: • Clean-sheet redesign • Supports: new Raptor startup method, larger propellant volume and improved reaction control system • Reduces trapped/leaked propellant risk Aft Section Simplification: • Fluid + electrical systems rerouted • Engine shrouds deleted • Large aft cavity removed Flap Actuation Upgrade: • Changed from: 2 actuators per flap to 1 actuator with 3 motors • Improves:, redundancy, mass efficiency, cost Faster Starlink Deployment: • Upgraded PEZ dispenser • Faster satellite deployment speeds Long-Duration Spaceflight Capability: • New systems added for: long orbital coasts, orbital refueling, cryogenic fluid management, vacuum, insulated header systems and high-voltage cryogenic recirculation Ship-to-Ship Docking + Refueling: • Added 4 docking drogues • Added propellant transfer connections • Directly supports in-space refueling architecture Avionics Upgrades Massive Electrical System Upgrade: • ~60 custom avionics units • Batteries/inverters/high-voltage systems integrated together • ~9 MW peak power capability Better Navigation + Redundancy: • New multi-sensor navigation system • Designed for precision autonomous flight Propellant Monitoring in Space: • New RF sensors measure propellant levels in microgravity • Important for orbital refueling missions Camera + Connectivity Upgrades: • ~50 onboard camera views • 480 Mbps Starlink connectivity onboard • Low-latency redundant communications Raptor 3 Engine Changes Higher Thrust: • Sea-level Raptors: • Increased from: 230 tf → 250 tf 507k lbf → 551k lbf Vacuum Raptors: Increased from: 258 tf → 275 tf 568k lbf → 606k lbf Lower Mass: • Sea-level engine mass reduced: 1630 kg → 1525 kg Simpler Design: • Sensors/controllers integrated into engine body • Removes need for engine shrouds • New ignition system for all variants • Huge Vehicle-Level Weight Savings • ~1 ton saved per engine across vehicle systems Launch Pad 2 Upgrades (Starbase) Faster Propellant Loading: • Larger propellant farm • More pumps • Faster fueling operations Chopstick Improvements: • Shorter arms for faster movement • Switched from hydraulic → electromechanical actuators • Better reliability + redundancy Stronger Quick Disconnect Arm: • Reinforced and redesigned • Swings farther away during launch Launch Mount Redesign: • Better load handling • Improved launch protection • Improved throwback reliability New Flame Diverter System: • Bidirectional flame diverter • Designed to eliminate ablation/refurbishment after launch Hardened Propellant Systems: • Methane and oxygen systems separated • Valves/filters moved into protected bunker • Improves safety and reliability SpaceX: "Together, these new elements are designed to enable a step-change in Starship capabilities and aim to unlock the vehicle’s core functions, including full and rapid reuse, in-space propellant transfer, deployment of Starlink satellites and orbital data centers, and the ability to send people and cargo to the Moon and Mars." This is going to be an epic flight! 🚀