James Delahunty
21 Nov 2018 3:02
Elon Musk's SpaceX launch provider has given its upcoming BFR rocket and spacecraft system a new name.
Musk took to Twitter to announce that the BFR's upper stage spacecraft would simply be named 'Starship'. Another Twitter user promptly challenged the name, pointing out that unless the spacecraft can actually visit other stars, it is not a 'starship'.
In typical fashion, Elon Musk replied that "Later versions will."
Starship is the name given to the spacecraft that will house payloads and passengers, while the giant rocket booster that will blast it into space will be called the 'Super Heavy'. The name likely comes from the payload capacity of the BFR, which can blast 100,000kg (220,000lb) to orbit, classing it as a super-heavy-lift launch vehicle in the company of the Saturn V, the Soviet N1 and the SLS Block 1 and SLS Block 2 Cargo.
SpaceX' Super Heavy and Starship system are still very much in development, but the firm recently announced it is abandoning plans to make the Falcon 9 rocket completely reusable and will focus all resources on the new system. The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage booster is routinely recovered and reused by SpaceX now, slashing the cost of launch significantly for customers.