Why SpaceX Starship spacecraft choose stainless steel as raw material? and whats the advance of stainelss steel than others

SpaceX’s decision to use 304L stainless steel for its Starship spacecraft raw material is based on several advantages that stainless steel offers in the context of space rockets:

1. Strength and Durability: Stainless      steel is known for its high strength and durability, which are crucial      qualities for withstanding the demanding conditions of space travel, such      as extreme temperatures, pressure differentials, and structural stress.

2. Heat Resistance: Stainless steel      can withstand high temperatures, making it well-suited for the intense      heat generated during re-entry into Earth’s      atmosphere. This heat resistance helps protect the spacecraft and its      contents during the atmospheric re-entry process.

3. Corrosion Resistance: Stainless      steel is highly resistant to corrosion, which is important for maintaining      the structural integrity of the spacecraft over its lifetime and in the      harsh conditions of space.

4. Rapid Prototyping and Fabrication:      Stainless steel is relatively easy to work with and allows for rapid      prototyping and fabrication of spacecraft components. This enables SpaceX      to iterate designs quickly and efficiently during the development and      testing phases.

5. Reusability: SpaceX’s goal is to make space travel more cost-effective by      developing reusable spacecraft. Stainless steel’s      durability and resistance to fatigue make it well-suited for multiple      launches and re-entries, contributing to the overall reusability of the      Starship system.

6. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to      other advanced materials like carbon fiber or titanium, stainless steel is      relatively cost-effective. This helps SpaceX keep manufacturing costs      lower while still maintaining a high level of performance and reliability.

Overall, the advantages of stainless steel, including its strength, durability, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, reusability, and cost-effectiveness, make it a suitable choice for SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and align with the company’s goals of advancing space exploration through innovation and efficiency.