Starship

High school (ages 12+)
Transportation

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/starship

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary propellant combination?Liquid Methane (CH4) and Liquid Oxygen (LOX) for Raptor engines
2. How does Starship go to the Moon or Mars?Starship uses powerful Raptor engines that burn liquid methane and liquid oxygen to lift off. After reaching space, it can be refueled in orbit and then travel to the Moon or Mars.
3. Why is Starship made of stainless steel?Stainless steel is strong, can handle heat, and is cheaper to make and fix, especially on faraway places like Mars.

Super Heavy-lift launch vehicle: A rocket capable of lifting extremely large payloads, measured in tens or hundreds of metric tons, into space.
Orbital refueling: The process of transferring propellant between spacecraft in Earth orbit to extend mission range and capability.
In-situ resource utilization (ISRU): The technique of using local resources found on celestial bodies to support human exploration and settlement.
Rapid unscheduled disassembly: A euphemism for a rocket or spacecraft exploding or breaking apart unexpectedly during testing or flight.