According to Sawyer Merritt on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk's brief talk at Starbase emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence in automating rocket manufacturing and launch operations. Musk highlighted that advanced AI systems are now integral in optimizing Starbase’s engineering workflows, real-time data analysis, and predictive maintenance, directly impacting cost reduction and launch reliability (Source: Sawyer Merritt, X, 2026-01-13). This development underlines significant business opportunities for AI solution providers targeting aerospace automation and industrial AI applications.

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).