SpaceX Bets $2 Trillion Future on Starship as Reusability Hurdles Threaten Moon and Mars Plans
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Nov 13
SpaceX Bets $2 Trillion Future on Starship as Reusability Hurdles Threaten Moon and Mars Plans
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Nov 13
Summary
$2 trillion of SpaceX’s valuation now rests on Starship, which can reach orbit, deploy satellites and return its booster but still has not proved full, rapid reusability.
18,000 heat-shield tiles, an unproven tower catch for the upper stage and 33-engine launch complexity remain central obstacles to flying the rocket again within hours.
Moon and Mars missions add another layer: orbital refueling would require potentially dozens of tanker launches and unprecedented transfer of super-cold methane and oxygen in zero gravity.
Starship also needs redesigns for broader commercial cargo, safer landings on uneven lunar or Martian terrain and a reliable liftoff without launch pads.
Musk has pitched Starship launches at $2 million to $10 million versus Falcon 9’s $74 million starting price, but experts question whether those economics are achievable as SpaceX prepares eventually to retire Falcon 9.