Northstar leverages Blue Origin’s in-house large-scale additive manufacturing capabilities, with more than 65% of the engine produced through additive manufacturing. Compared to the BE-4 engine, Northstar reduces mass by 30% and parts count by 50%, while increasing thrust from 640,000 to 715,000 pounds-force. Manufacturing advancements have also significantly shortened production timelines, enabling assembly in less than a day. Congratulations to Blue Origin on the improved rocket.
In the chart, RS25 is the old Space Shuttle engine. It is still used for Space Launch System.
SpaceX Raptor is far lighter with radically lower cost. SpaceX Raptor 3 has lots of power. Raptor 4 will get to 300 tons of force per rocket. Raptor 3 is the compact, highly simplified unit on the right of the lineup photo, with most external plumbing internalized.
Unofficial estimates circulating in industry discussions range from ~$0.85 million to under $2 million per Raptor 3engine. SpaceX has driven costs down sharply through high-volume production (hundreds of engines), extreme design simplification, and additive manufacturing. Early program targets were well under $1 million at scale.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
