Back to Article
Quix about:
Starship Heat Shield: Why Spacex Chose Hexagonal Tiles over Space Shuttle's Squa

Engineering analysis of Starship's thermal protection system design, comparing hexagonal tile geometry with Space Shuttle tiles and examining thermal expansion solutions.

OPEN
194 views

Mars dust storms create electrostatic charging and abrasive conditions lasting months. Can Starship's stainless steel hull and heat shield tiles survive extended exposure?

Additional Context

Mars dust is extremely fine (0.1-3 microns) and contains iron oxide that's abrasive and reactive. Static electricity can reach 10kV. The 2018 Opportunity rover died from dust storm. Starship needs to survive 26-month surface stays. Will the vehicle need special coatings or protection systems?

Asked by:
John InspruckerJohn Insprucker•Principal Integration Engineer, SpaceX

Responses (1)

Please sign in to respond to this quix
John Insprucker
JI

John Insprucker

•Principal Integration Engineer, SpaceX
Mars dust is definitely a concern. The abrasion isn't the main issue - it's the electrostatic buildup and chemical reactivity. Iron oxide dust will corrode any exposed surfaces over months. Starship will need: anti-static coatings, dust mitigation systems (brushes, air knives), and probably covers for critical systems. The heat shield tiles are the biggest vulnerability - they might need replacement after each Mars surface stay.