The SpaceX Nine Raptor Mars Rocket

in space on 2014-03-09 11:35 (#3FB)

The ever-improving Raptor rocket engine from SpaceX has mutated to a 1Mlbf (4,500kN) gas-gas (full flow) liquid methane and oxygen engine. With nine such engines in an arrangement that could dwarf even the Saturn V, can Musk and his team finally shoot for Mars?

Interesting that they chose methane. (Score: 5, Interesting)

by dgoodmaniii@pipedot.org on 2014-03-09 12:45 (#BD)

Apparently this was at least in part in the belief that it could be found on Mars. But I recall reading that Curiosity has found no methane. I know that we still believe there to be some, but I wonder how hard it would be to access?