The short answer: The fully stacked SpaceX Starship, including the Super Heavy booster, weighs about 5,000,000 kg (roughly 11 million pounds) at liftoff.
Rocket weight by type
Starship is the heaviest rocket ever built, and almost all of its liftoff weight is propellant. The table breaks down the stack.
| Component (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Propellant (methane and LOX) | The large majority of liftoff mass |
| Super Heavy booster (dry) | Roughly 200,000 kg |
| Starship upper stage (dry) | Roughly 100,000 kg or more |
| Full stack at liftoff | About 5,000,000 kg (11 million lb) |
What affects rocket weight
- Propellant. Liquid methane and liquid oxygen make up the overwhelming majority of the liftoff weight.
- Two stages. The Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage each carry their own structure and fuel.
- Full reusability. Both stages carry extra hardware and reserve fuel for landing, adding weight.
- Stainless steel. Starship's steel construction is heavier than aluminum but cheaper and very strong.
- Payload. Cargo carried to orbit adds to the total and drives the rocket's enormous size.
- Development stage. Exact figures vary between prototype versions as the design evolves.
How rocket weight compares
At about 5,000,000 kg fully fueled, the stacked Starship weighs roughly as much as 3,700 cars, or nearly twice as much as the historic Saturn V.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the SpaceX Starship weigh?
Fully stacked with the Super Heavy booster, it weighs about 5,000,000 kg, or roughly 11 million pounds, at liftoff. Most of this is propellant.
Is Starship the heaviest rocket ever?
Yes. At around 5,000 metric tons fully fueled it is heavier than any rocket previously flown, including the Saturn V.
Why is Starship made of stainless steel?
Steel is cheaper and stronger at extreme temperatures than aluminum, which suits a reusable design. It makes the rocket heavier but more durable and economical.
