ABOUT RAPTOR 3
Raptor 3 is the latest evolution of SpaceX’s Raptor engine series, eliminating the outer heat shield and all external shielding for a dramatically simplified and lighter design. It achieves higher thrust and improved specific impulse over Raptor 2, with further reduced part count. The engine is designed for rapid mass production to support Starship operations.
Image: SpaceX
PERFORMANCE
| Thrust (Sea Level) | 2,450 kN (550,700 lbf) kN |
| Thrust (Vacuum) | 2,700 kN (607,000 lbf) kN |
| ISP (Sea Level) | 330 s s |
| ISP (Vacuum) | 355 s s |
| Chamber Pressure | 33 MPa (4,786 psi) bar |
| Mass | 1 kg |
| Thrust-to-Weight | 170 |
| Throttle Range | 30–100% |
| Restart Capable | Yes (multiple) |
THRUST CONVERSIONS (VACUUM)
| Kilonewtons | 2.0 kN |
| Pounds-force | 450 lbf |
ENGINE CYCLE
Full-Flow Staged Combustion
The most advanced cycle: both fuel-rich and oxidizer-rich preburners drive separate turbopumps, and all exhaust flows into the main chamber. Maximizes performance and enables extreme chamber pressures. Only the SpaceX Raptor has flown with this cycle.
PROPULSION
| Propellant | Liquid Methane (CH₄) |
| Oxidizer | LOX |
| Engine Cycle | Full-Flow Staged Combustion |
| Mixture Ratio | 3.6:1 |
| Flow Rate | ~700 kg/s kg/s |
PHYSICAL
| Dimensions | 1.3 m diameter × 2.8 m length |
| Combustion Chambers | 1 |
| Nozzle Expansion Ratio | 40:1:1 |
GENERAL
| Manufacturer | SpaceX |
| Country | United States |
| Status | In Development |
| First Flight | January 1, 1970 |
VARIANTS (2)
- Raptor 3
- Raptor 3 Vacuum
VEHICLES USING RAPTOR 3 (2)
- Starship (V2)
- Super Heavy (V2)
ENGINE LINEAGE
⚖ PROPELLANTS
🏢 MANUFACTURER
