New Delhi: SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has said that the company’s upcoming version of its Starship rocket will be able to carry more than 100 tons of payload into orbit. Musk shared the update during a video appearance at the All-In Podcast conference on Tuesday. The goal for SpaceX is to offer users a comprehensive solution for high bandwidth at home and for high bandwidth direct to cell, he said.
The new Starship is designed to be the most powerful rocket ever built, with a focus on carrying heavy payloads at lower costs. According to Musk, this capability could open new opportunities for large-scale projects in space, including satellites, space stations, and eventually missions to the Moon and Mars. Industry analysts estimate that the broader market for Starship and related satellite services could be worth around $17 billion in the coming years.
Building for Bigger Missions
Starship is central to SpaceX’s long-term plans. Unlike traditional rockets that are either partially or fully disposable, Starship is designed to be fully reusable. Which means the rocket could be launched, landed, and flown again, which helps in cutting the cost of space travel. The starship came with the capability to carry more than 100 tons, making the vehicle suitable for both government and commercial customers.
SpaceX already has contracts with NASA, including one to use Starship for future Moon missions under the Artemis program. The rocket’s large capacity also makes it attractive for launching clusters of satellites, such as the company’s own Starlink internet network. Musk explained that increasing payload capacity is not just about size, but also about efficiency. The larger Starship will be able to deliver more cargo in fewer launches, making space access more practical and affordable.
SpaceX’s Starship prototype during testing in Texas, designed to carry over 100 tons of payload into orbit (Image credits: SpaceX)
Future Outlook
From their base in Texas SpaceX has been doing test flights of Starship prototypes. While some early flights faced technical issues, Musk said progress has been steady, and each test brings the company closer to regular operations.
If successful, then the new Starship could transform the space industry by enabling missions that were previously too expensive or too complex. Musk said the long-term vision remains the same to make humanity a multiplanetary species, with Mars as the ultimate destination.
Expanding Phone Connectivity
SpaceX is working on their smartphone-satellite compatibility program in addition to its rocket program. Musk said the business is working with phone manufacturers to enable satellite transmissions in future phones, which allows the customers to stay connected even when there are no cell towers nearby. This might be particularly helpful for emergency responders, vacationers, and residents in rural regions where mobile service is sometimes spotty.
Inputs from Ahsan Khan