Elon Musk has released a video explaining why SpaceX chose stainless steel over carbon fiber for the Starship’s hull. According to him, the decision was driven not only by cost savings but also by a range of engineering advantages offered by the material.
Musk noted that modern carbon fiber composites remain extremely expensive—around $130 per kilogram—and are produced in limited quantities. They also pose challenges when handling cryogenic fuel components, including liquid oxygen, and are less capable of withstanding extreme heat during atmospheric re-entry, where there is a risk of structural damage or failure.
In contrast, stainless steel maintains high strength at ultra-low temperatures, is significantly cheaper to manufacture, easier to work with, and handles thermal loads during re-entry more effectively.
These qualities have enabled SpaceX to accelerate the development of full-scale Starship prototypes and move more quickly into testing and refining the rocket’s design.
Earlier, Elon Musk praised the latest version of the Starship’s thermal protection system, stating that the spacecraft “looks amazing.”
As a reminder, during the Flight 13 test, the Starship successfully performed a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean and, for the first time, remained intact after its return.
Additionally, SpaceX engineer Michael Nicholls, who works on the Starlink and artificial intelligence projects, reported the successful completion of a critical verification phase for all 20 Starlink V3 satellites.
About the Author
