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| SN1 is moved to the test site. Note the dimple on the hull. |
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| SN1 is lowered onto the test stand |
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| SN1 lowered onto the test stand |
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| SN1 on the test stand |
Note the dimple in the hull in the first picture. Aircraft skin is 2-4 mm (1 inch = 25 mm) thick, but aircraft have internal bracing. Is 2-4 mm steel strong enough for Starship? Will Starship need internal bracing (struts)?
I'm certain it will. The stresses caused by the "skydiver" re-entry manoeuvre will be more severe then those faced by aircraft.
But SpaceX is moving so fast, there'll be time to adjust the design. It took SpaceX 9 months to build the first Starship prototype. It has taken it just 4 weeks to build the next one, SN1 (serial number 1). SN2 is already under construction. The rapidity of progress on Starship compared with the huge delays and cost overruns of SLS ...... Astounding. First boots on Mars in 2025!
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