Eric Berger
@SciGuySpace · Sep 16, 2026
Chinese private space companies are not screwing around. Space Pioneer, which has raised nearly $1 billion, is seeking to build a similar looking engine to Raptor 3 with virtually identical thrust: 2,450 kN.
CNSPACE@CNSpaceflight· Sep 16, 2026Tianhuo-21 vs Raptor-3
Elon Musk
@elonmusk
I would recommend against a new company trying to make Raptor 3.
While it appears simple on the outside (necessary to survive extreme heat without a heat shield), the inside has very complex geometry that can only be manufactured using highly modified 3D metal printing.
06:41 PM · September 16, 2026 · 1.1M views
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