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Channel: SpaceX
SpaceX Aerospace tech investor
Raptor 3 Completes 350-Second Flight Duration Test at McGregor
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SpaceX Intelligence Wire
Analysis & Special Reports
• 5 min read
Core Premise & Signal
"SpaceX completes key full-duration qualification burn for Raptor 3. Internal cooling channels eliminate external heat shields, dropping engine dry mass by 550kg."
Original Intelligence Source
@SpaceX
SpaceX has officially completed a full-mission duration test fire of the production-standard Raptor 3 engine at its rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas.
Key Engineering Milestones Disclosed:
- Zero External Heat Shielding: All fluid lines, sensors, and actuators are now internally cast into the engine structure, eliminating the heavy protective thermal shrouds required on Raptor 2.
- Thrust & Mass Optimization: Thrust reaches 280 tons of sea-level force while reducing engine dry mass from 2,875 kg down to 1,525 kg.
- Production Cadence: McGregor testing indicates SpaceX is approaching its target run-rate of 1 Raptor 3 engine completed per calendar day.
Market Signal: Drastic reduction in engine unit costs directly lowers the capital expenditure required to scale the Starship launch fleet, accelerating cadence for Starlink v3 satellite deployments.
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