8
$\begingroup$

The Starship second stage has 3 sea level engines and 3 vacuum engines.

I don't imagine that all 6 will be used for trans Mars injection, as it isn't very efficient.

And for the Mars landing which ones will be used? Mars has a thin atmosphere, So maybe the vacuum ones? Or a combination?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

The 3 vacuum engines will be used for Trans Mars Injection (TMI) since they are more efficient in vacuum. While each one is off centered, firing all 3 will make it balanced, so this makes the most sense.

For landing, it will be a bit trickier. I haven't seen anything publicly, but I suspect they will use the vacuum engines for part of the time, and the 3 sea level engines for the final landing. The 3 sea level engines will give maximum flexibility for the most critical point, but the vacuum engines can be used for parts of the decent if required. The sea level engines are more central, and can gimble, allowing for this flexibility.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
6
  • $\begingroup$ Why will the 3 sea level engines give maximum flexibility for the most critical point? $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Aug 5, 2020 at 12:55
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ @uhoh they can Gimble. $\endgroup$
    – moshevi
    Aug 5, 2020 at 13:00
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Gimbal, not gimble.. $\endgroup$
    – SF.
    Aug 5, 2020 at 14:27
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ When doing the atmosphere entry burn how many Bars do the engines experience? Because of the speed of entry, might the pressure be high enough for the sea level engines to be efficient? $\endgroup$
    – moshevi
    Aug 5, 2020 at 14:42
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @uhoh your'e right it deserves it's own question $\endgroup$
    – moshevi
    Aug 5, 2020 at 16:01

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.