Part 3/11:
The Unusual Color of Starship: Rust and Oxidation
One of the most talked-about aspects of the recent footage was the ship's striking white and orange coloration. The orange hue, reminiscent of Mars’ surface, led many to speculate about its significance. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk explained that this coloration results from rust, specifically iron oxide, caused by rapid oxidation of metallic heat shield tiles during reentry. This occurs when coolant leaks onto the tiles, triggering a chemical reaction. The white areas on the nose cone and other parts are insulation materials, part of the vessel's thermal protection system.