Part 6/13:
Looking ahead, SpaceX’s HLS program is progressing towards a major milestone—completing a full-scale prototype and preparing for test flights, potentially as early as 2026. The HLS build on the iconic Starship, with significant modifications to suit lunar missions. Notably, the HLS will feature:
Heavily modified stainless steel body with stretched propellant tanks capable of carrying larger quantities of liquid methane and oxygen.
Upgraded propulsion system, possibly featuring Raptor 3 engines, complemented by 12 smaller thrusters for precise lunar landing maneuvers.
White reflective coating, unlike the traditional black-and-steel appearance of Starship, designed to reflect sunlight and prevent overheating in the moon’s harsh environment.