Fuel supply is a bottleneck for Starship—here’s how SpaceX will get around it

SpaceX is facing a potential bottleneck in fuel supply for its Starship launch system. To address this, the company is exploring the idea of setting up propellant generation plants at its Starbase facility in Texas. This would allow SpaceX to produce the necessary propellants, such as liquid methane and liquid oxygen, on-site, reducing the reliance on external suppliers and logistical challenges. The article suggests that SpaceX has considered this approach in the past, recognizing the importance of ensuring a reliable and self-sufficient fuel supply for the ambitious Starship program. By establishing these plants, SpaceX aims to streamline the launch process, minimize delays, and potentially reduce costs associated with transporting fuel from external sources. The article highlights the technical and logistical complexities involved in building such a facility, but also emphasizes the strategic benefits for SpaceX's long-term goals, including the potential for Mars missions and other deep-space endeavors that require a robust and efficient launch system.