Updated and revised SpaceX Raptor 3 schematicTook a lot of feedback from the previous post and fixed several things. This should now be properly representative to all current knowledge.As always the fullres diagram is available below 🧵
Specific updates from the last diagram include;- revising the oxygen preburner and it's location- changing the colors of some fluids to be more visibly discernable- fixing the ch4 autogen flowpath- updating and fixing spec numbers- added more labels and iconography to identify smaller features- added the powerhead regen channels (as far as we know)- replaced the helium spinstart with nitrogen- cleaned up some of the intersecting flow paths between the powerhead to become more legibleThere is also a few discrepancies that are still not totally known, such as; - exactly where the ch4 autogen is coming from. it is either the outlet of the methane powerhead autogen, like depicted, traveling through the hot gas manifold, or, it is directly tapped off at the valve assembly on the transfer tube from the lower regen manifold up to the top of the lox powerhead. we do not have any legible photos of that side of the engine unfortunately so it is not able to be exactly determined- preburner ignitor type. pretty self explanatory, we don't know what exactly the ignitors for the burners are. With the way that this engine operates it is highly doubtful that it uses conventional torch ignitors anymore, however, they still need gox/ch4, via the presence of such inlets on the common umbilical- number of turbines on each powerhead. via recovered debris it seems likely that there is in-fact two turbines on both powerheads, via the size of the turboshaft coupling, but it is not confirmed. - where the ch4 powerhead regen starts. It may be directly connected to the chamber regen loop, or it may be tapped off starting at the end of the transfer tube, like depicted. The pressures/temperatures of the methane after exiting the nozzle and chamber regen is not totally known but can be roughly estimated, suggesting that it is still "cool" enough to be used in regenerative cooling. This also doubles back to the previous point of the ch4 autogen
https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1880332005084471404QuoteRaptor engines powering liftoff and landing of Super Heavy
Raptor engines powering liftoff and landing of Super Heavy
33 -> 13 -> 3It will be very difficult to get Raptor to 300 tons of thrust, but … not impossible
I wanted to note something I had never noticed before nor have I seen it mentioned. Technically probably should have put this in the Flight 7 discussion thread but that thread is currently a mess and full of ignorance. Anyways, the last photo showing the three center engines lit during the catch you can see how they move the center ring of gimballing raptors out towards the outer ring of engines. Maybe for greater gimbal capabilities of the center three without risk of bell contact?
Quote from: dabomb6608 on 01/17/2025 09:46 pmI wanted to note something I had never noticed before nor have I seen it mentioned. Technically probably should have put this in the Flight 7 discussion thread but that thread is currently a mess and full of ignorance. Anyways, the last photo showing the three center engines lit during the catch you can see how they move the center ring of gimballing raptors out towards the outer ring of engines. Maybe for greater gimbal capabilities of the center three without risk of bell contact?Don't worry, we got you covered.https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=61945.msg2657450#msg2657450