According to Sawyer Merritt, SpaceX has introduced the Raptor 3 rocket engine, which will debut on Starship Version 3 with a first launch scheduled for Q1 2026. The Raptor 3 delivers nearly double the thrust of Raptor 1, is four times less expensive, and is significantly lighter, saving 2,425 lbs per engine and a total of 94,575 lbs per launch. Its design eliminates the need for a heat shield and is optimized for high-efficiency manufacturability. These advancements set a new benchmark for AI-driven design optimization and automated manufacturing in the aerospace sector. The integration of AI in engine design and production opens up new business opportunities for AI startups focused on generative design, predictive maintenance, and high-throughput manufacturing process automation. (Source: Sawyer Merritt on Twitter)

According to Sawyer Merritt, SpaceX has revealed its new Raptor 3 rocket engine, showcasing a leap in aerospace engineering with nearly double the thrust of Raptor 1, four times lower production costs, and significant weight reduction—saving 2,425 lbs per engine and up to 94,575 lbs per launch. The engine’s design eliminates the need for a heat shield and prioritizes manufacturability, signaling a major shift toward AI-driven optimization in aerospace manufacturing. For AI industry players, this development highlights expanding opportunities for AI applications in design, quality control, and automated production processes for advanced propulsion systems (Sawyer Merritt, Twitter, Dec 23, 2025).