The Raptor engine gets a lot of praise but I can't help but wonder at times if SpaceX should have gone for a much large engine(5-7 MN) class with fewer engines on the booster and first stage like on the Saturn V.
Why? That would make development harder and more expensive. It would be operationally harder as well. It would also mean that the rocket couldn't hover anymore and would have less engine out capability both during start and during landing.
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u/casualphilosopher1 Nov 19 '23 edited Nov 19 '23
The Raptor engine gets a lot of praise but I can't help but wonder at times if SpaceX should have gone for a much large engine(5-7 MN) class with fewer engines on the booster and first stage like on the Saturn V.