SpaceX President Elon Musk (Elon Musk) published On the X-network, an image of the first serial copy of the new generation rocket engine – Raptor 3 (SN1). “This is a work of art” Musk said in the caption of the photo: The engine has become lighter, more powerful, and more refined, and there’s no arguing with that.

Almost all of the fuel-carrying channels and systems that enable the Raptor 3 engine to operate have been moved inside the chassis. Parts of the engine-carrying system are produced using 3D printing. The Raptor 3 components are devoid of many old mechanical connections (gears and others). On the one hand, they are really beautiful. However, since the Raptor engine family is designed for multiple uses, there are still doubts about ease of disassembly and maintenance. I hope Musk dismantles them.

“The amount of work required to simplify the Raptor’s engine, integrate secondary feed channels, and add regenerative cooling to exposed components was staggering, Elon Musk explained in the caption of the photo. The engine now takes up less space and there is no need for heat shields for multiple nodes.

“As a result, the Raptor 3 does not require any heat shielding, eliminating the mass and complexity of a heat shield and fire suppression system. It is also lighter, more thrusting and more efficient than the Raptor 2.” Musk added.

The declared thrust of the Raptor 2 engines at sea level reaches 230 tons. The Raptor 3 engine, although not yet officially confirmed, is expected to provide up to 330 tons of thrust at sea level. More engines of this type can be installed on the Super Heavy booster and the Starhip ship, thereby increasing the carrying capacity of the complex by 15-20%.