Elon Musk Podcast Starship Moon Pivot and Raptor 3 Engines
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Feb 17, 2026 They unpack a major redesign of Booster 19 and the intense cryogenic tests that proved its durability. Discussion covers the COPV tank failure, a supplier buyout to secure production, and Raptor 3’s higher thrust and 3D‑printed cooling that cuts weight. They explain the pivot to lunar-first operations, off‑planet manufacturing ideas, and the logistics and medical challenges of long‑duration space settlements.
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Booster 19 Survives 'Impossible' Tests
- Booster 19 survived an extreme cryo and rapid depressurization campaign after Booster 18 ruptured on arrival.
- The campaign stressed the stage with daily freeze/thaw cycles and massive depressurization to validate the version 3 structural overhaul.
COPV Rupture Sank Booster 18
- Booster 18 failed because a COPV ruptured, not the main tank, causing a catastrophic structural failure.
- SpaceX acquired the supplier (Hexagon Purus ASA's aerospace subsidiary) to bring COPV production in-house and eliminate supply delays.
Buying The Factory Accelerates Iteration
- Vertical integration removed vendor lag and let SpaceX customize cylinders specifically for Starship.
- Buying the supplier for $15 million is framed as an investment in speed and quality control.