How does the lower thermal load from methane combustion benefit the Raptor engine hardware?
Answer
It results in less stress on critical engine components like turbopumps.
Methane combustion runs at substantially lower temperatures than RP-1, meaning there is less thermal stress on the highly stressed turbopumps and combustion chambers, allowing for a higher number of firing cycles.
#Videos
Why SpaceX is Using a New Fuel - YouTube
Where Does SpaceX Get Their Rocket Fuel? - YouTube
Related Questions
What propellant combination powers the Raptor engines utilized by Starship?What is the primary reason methane is chosen over RP-1 regarding engine maintenance?What is the crucial long-term goal served by choosing methane propellant?What major handling drawback makes liquid hydrogen (LH2) less favorable than methane for deep-space missions?What chemical process is planned to synthesize propellant using Martian atmospheric CO2 and water ice?How does the lower thermal load from methane combustion benefit the Raptor engine hardware?What is the composition of the exhaust gases primarily yielded from methane and oxygen combustion in a Raptor engine?What is the approximate density relationship between liquid methane fuel and RP-1 fuel?What is the primary source of the methane currently used commercially for testing Raptor engines at Starbase?What specific issue does the use of RP-1 create within the engine plumbing during operation?