SpaceX's Starship system aims to create a fully reusable super heavy-lift launch vehicle. Comprising two integral stages, the system consists of the powerful booster stage known as Super Heavy and the second stage aptly named "Starship." What sets Starship apart is its innovative design as a versatile, long-duration cargo and passenger-carrying spacecraft.
The journey of Starship began with the development of the Raptor rocket engine in 2012, followed by vehicle development in 2016. Notably, this ambitious project is self-funded by SpaceX, marking a significant step in private spaceflight endeavours. Testing of the Starship's second stage commenced in 2019, encompassing launch-and-landing experiments and meticulous design refinements.
The significance of Starship extends beyond Earth's orbit, as NASA has expressed interest in a modified crew-rated Starship system for potential lunar landings as part of the Artemis program, albeit with the contract currently on hold.
