SpaceX Reveals Starship's Redesigned Grid Fins with 50% More Surface Area

As SpaceX prepares for the 10th test flight of its Starship rocket, the company has revealed a significant upgrade to the booster's design. The Elon Musk-led spaceflight company has unveiled a new grid fin configuration for the Super Heavy rocket, the first-stage booster of the Starship system.

The most notable change is the size of the grid fins, which have been increased by approximately 50% compared to the previous design. To emphasize the scale of the new fins, SpaceX shared a photo showing an engineer standing on one of them. This massive upgrade will enable the booster to descend at higher angles of attack as it returns to the launch tower for the spectacular "catch" maneuver.

In addition to the increased surface area, SpaceX has also repositioned the grid fins further down the booster. This new location will help reduce the heat they receive from the Starship spacecraft's engines during stage separation, lowering the risk of any damage occurring.

The Starship's 10th test flight is expected to take place this month, and it's likely that the redesigned grid fins will make their debut in this mission. SpaceX's ongoing efforts to enhance the Starship's capabilities are crucial, as NASA plans to use the vehicle for crew and cargo missions to the moon as part of the Artemis program.