SpaceX's New Upgrade On Starship V3 WELDING, Unlike any other...

"SpaceX's New Upgrade On Starship V3 WELDING, Unlike any other...
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#techmap #techmaps #elonmusk #starshipspacex
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Intro 0:00
The evolution of welding methods 1:02
The evolution of stainless steel 9:09
Welding in space 13:27
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1) SOURCES OF THUMBNAIL:
2) SOURCES OF VIDEO AND IMAGES:
Starship Gazer: https://twitter.com/StarshipGazer
https://www.youtube.com/c/StarshipGazer
SLS (Space Launch System): https://x.com/ScottLikedSLS
@Considercosmos: https://twitter.com/considercosmos
Cosmic Perspective: https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicPerspective
John Randolph:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH4DpGhcN-FC8vJyThNZ8AQ/
https://x.com/JohnRand0061
Austin Barnard: https://twitter.com/austinbarnard45
https://www.youtube.com/@austinbarnard7688/videos
Everyday Astronaut: https://twitter.com/Erdayastronaut
https://www.youtube.com/c/EverydayAstronaut
WAI: https://www.youtube.com/@Whataboutit
https://twitter.com/FelixSchlang
LabPadre Space: https://twitter.com/LabPadre
https://www.youtube.com/c/LabPadre
Starbase Surfer : https://twitter.com/cnunezimages
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SpaceX's New Upgrade On Starship V3 WELDING, Unlike any other...
On April 9, 2025, the space community was amazed by the shiny, mirror-like nose cone of Starship 39, which is likely the ship for Flight 13.
This bright, polished surface was a big contrast to the rough and patchy look of the first Starship prototypes. At first glance, it looked more like a display piece than something built to survive the extreme conditions of space.
But there’s a reason behind this new look. The shiny surface is the result of SpaceX moving from manual welding to automated robotic welding. This change made the construction process more precise and consistent, but it also brought new challenges and trade-offs.
In this episode of Techmap, we’ll explore how SpaceX transformed Starship’s design and why this shift in welding technology marks a major step forward in building the next generation of spacecraft.
SpaceX's New Upgrade On Starship V3 WELDING, Unlike any other...
The year 2026 will mark a major milestone in Starship’s development as SpaceX transitions to the next generation of its rocket — Starship Version 3. Most people know this version as the most advanced and powerful Starship ever built, representing the next big leap in the company’s journey toward full reusability and deep space travel.
But what fewer people realize is that Version 3 isn’t just about stronger engines or improved aerodynamics. One of its biggest upgrades lies in the new and advanced welding techniques used to build it. These welding methods make the rocket’s structure lighter, stronger, and far more precise than anything SpaceX has built before — continuing the evolution that began with those first shiny, mirror-finished prototypes in Texas.
SpaceX's New Upgrade On Starship V3 WELDING, Unlike any other...
It all began when SpaceX started purchasing robotic welding machines from companies like Liburdi and Kuka, similar to the ones used in Tesla factories. This change came after they faced persistent issues with their original welding method, known as flux-core welding, used on the early Starship prototypes. Flux-core welding works by melting a metal wire to fill in cracks, while a protective gas prevents corrosion. However, this process requires a controlled indoor environment, while SpaceX carried out most of its welding outdoors in a large tent, often relying on welders with little to no rocket-building experience. As a result, many of the welds ended up with cracks, corrosion, and rough edges.
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