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RGClark

Member

From: Philadelphia, PA

Registered: 2006-07-05

Posts: 721

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The raptor engine can open up the space frontier - if SpaceX allows it

Elon has said in mass production the Raptor might only cost $250,000. Then with costs this low we can imagine SpaceX offering it for sale to small launch companies. This could result in a burgeoning field of small launch providers:

The raptor engine can open up the space frontier - if only SpaceX would allow it.
http://exoscientist.blogspot.com/2022/1 … space.html

  Robert Clark

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Old Space rule of acquisition (with a nod to Star Trek - the Next Generation):

      “Anything worth doing is worth doing for a billion dollars.”

tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 17,508

Re: The raptor engine can open up the space frontier - if SpaceX allows it

For RGClark re new topic...

Best wishes for success with this interesting new topic!

As a question for those who are more knowledgeable ... could there be an after market for "slightly" used Raptors?

If an engine is still working well, but has served for as many trips as SpaceX may decide is enough, could that engine still be used by another launch provider, much as used internal combustion engines often find uses beyond the original equipment lifetime.

(th)

Void

Member

Registered: 2011-12-29

Posts: 7,197

Re: The raptor engine can open up the space frontier - if SpaceX allows it

There are of course several other Metha lox engines coming along.  For the.
-Neutron
-Terran-R
-New Glen & Vulcan

I expect there are international efforts under weigh as well.

I do understand that the raptors will be special, but it looks like there could be companies with engines to sell, if they can get a business agreement for it.

Done.

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Done.

SpaceNut

Administrator

From: New Hampshire

Registered: 2004-07-22

Posts: 29,030

Re: The raptor engine can open up the space frontier - if SpaceX allows it

But to make them useful in heavy lift one needs to look at the total engine count for cost.

I believe since the Vulcan and New Glen are for the military use that they will be prohibited from sales of them.