Explorer

Starship Anatomy Explorer

Click the vehicle to learn what each major part does, why it matters, and which bigger Starship idea it connects to.

StarshipSuper Heavy

Full reusability

Starship Ship

The upper spacecraft carries payload, returns through the atmosphere, and is designed to land for reuse.

What it does

It acts as the second stage during launch and later becomes the spacecraft for payload delivery, reentry, and landing.

Why it matters

If the ship can be reused, the expensive upper-stage hardware no longer has to be thrown away after every mission.

Related flights

Flight tests focus heavily on ship reentry, flap control, heat shield performance, and landing behavior.