SpaceX, Tesla Collaborate On 'Starship' Mars Mission Rocket?

Elon Musk-led companies SpaceX and Tesla are expanding mutual co-operation in important projects.

The convergence was more pronounced in Tesla's support in developing the electronics of Space X Mars spacecraft named Starship that would carry humans to Mars.

According to reports, SpaceX has started using Tesla battery packs in the “Starship” prototype MK1.

Recently, many space flight forum participants updated that Tesla battery packs were added to the prototype.

The Tesla Model S/X battery packs are expected to act as boosters of energy capacity up to 400 kWh.

Meanwhile, the latest updates on the Mars spacecraft and the rocket Superheavy will be coming from Musk on Saturday during a presentation in Texas.

SpaceX has been focused on building a prototype of the proposed spacecraft for Mars colonization. It is named as Starship MK1. Avid SpaceX fans are tracking its development in Boca Chica, Texas.

Musk has said the prototype Starship MK1 is almost ready. He also teased some pictures in a tweet. The CEO had said previously that it will try a test flight of Mk1 in October.

However, the final version of the Mars spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket will be ready only by 2021.

Mutual benefits in costs and technology

In the past Musk had highlighted the difficulties in running two companies in two different sectors. But he also acknowledged advantages of being active in different industries.

Leveraging the Tesla synergy and expertise of the auto industry to make vehicles cost-effective, SpaceX is looking to reduce the cost of rockets. Space X is already a pioneer in reusable rockets.

According to the Tesla news, the expertise of high-tech manufacturing techniques at SpaceX is helping the carmaker as well.

One example is Tesla's use of stir-welding developed by SpaceX that combines large sheets of metals like aluminum used in rockets. SpaceX has reportedly transferred "friction stir welding" equipment to Tesla.

Reports also said both Tesla and SpaceX are working to create new materials that could be used on Earth and in space. Going forward, Tesla and SpaceX will jointly work on many projects.

SpaceX's contribution to Tesla’s auto production is apparent in the “SpaceX package” for Tesla Roadster in terms of cold air thrusters that SpaceX had been using in rockets.

Meanwhile, Tesla stock was down 0.2 percent in the after-hours trading of Sept 25.

In the making of spacecraft, Voyager 1 by NASA will remain a reference point to all space enthusiasts as it stands out as the sturdy space probe compiling scientific information in the last 40 years.

Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 is engaged in the study of the outer Solar System and continues to take commands and transmits data to Earth.