Musk Just Revealed The Newest Raptor 4 Engine... Insane Power!

Most of the time, we hear about the Starship prototypes and boosters being developed, tested, and even launched. SpaceX often goes far ahead of its time by creating prototypes intended for launches years into the future. Each new prototype brings something different and better to the table—bigger size, stronger materials for the surface, and more power overall. But we sometimes forget that for a larger and stronger rocket to launch, it also needs a bigger and more powerful engine. Recently, SpaceX revealed their latest Raptor engine, the Raptor 4, and we will discuss it in today’s video. Before we delve deeper, please make sure to subscribe to our channel for future updates about the Starship and SpaceX's other groundbreaking achievements.
SpaceX has developed three planned versions of the Starship system: Starship Version 1, Version 2, and Version 3. Each version marks a significant step forward in terms of size, capability, and technology. The Raptor engines have been a key component of these developments, with each version of the Starship utilizing progressively more advanced engines.
Starship Version 1, which included early prototypes such as SN5 and SN6, used the Raptor 1 engine. This engine delivered approximately 200 tons of thrust and represented SpaceX’s first foray into methane-powered rocket engines. It was relatively heavier at around 2,000 kilograms but laid the groundwork for future iterations.
For Starship Version 2, SpaceX introduced the Raptor 2 engine, which was lighter and more efficient, weighing around 1,600 kilograms with a thrust of 230 tons. This version of the engine powered prototypes such as SN15, which successfully achieved high-altitude flight and landing tests. The improved thrust-to-weight ratio and simplified design made Raptor 2 more reliable and capable of supporting Starship’s increasing demands.
In the latest flight tests, the Raptor 2 was also featured prominently, powering prototypes in six successful tests. One of the most groundbreaking achievements occurred when SpaceX managed to return a booster to the Mechazilla tower and catch it successfully. This incredible milestone demonstrated the engine's robustness and adaptability.
SpaceX didn’t stop at Raptor 2. The development of the Raptor 3 engine marked a significant leap forward in rocket technology. Raptor 3, unveiled to much acclaim, was designed to deliver a substantial 280 tons of thrust, a notable improvement over Raptor 2’s 230 tons. The weight of the engine was also reduced from Raptor 2’s 1,600 kilograms to approximately 1,500 kilograms.