The components of a Spaceship can be made from Earth crust materials. Currently Boeing X-37B is using a Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo-0.1Si (Ti-6242S) alloy which is designed for reentry heat of Earth atmosphere.
- Al (Aluminum): 5.5–6.5 wt.%
- Sn (Tin): 1.8–2.2 wt.%
- Zr (Zirconium): 3.6–4.4 wt.%
- Mo (Molybdenum): 1.8–2.2 wt.%
- Si (Silicon): 0.06–0.13 wt.%
- Ti (Titanium): Balance
The Ti-6242S metal forging process involves heating the titanium billet to high temperatures, typically above the beta-transus temperature, and then using mechanical force from hammers or presses to shape it.
SpaceX recently launched one in August 2025 using the Falcon 9 rocket.
If we are to reach Mars and mine the asteroid belt, these types of alloys need to be studied, mined, and improved. Magellan Metals is a supplier of many metal alloys, for example.
The X-37B uses a hypergolic propellant system of nitrogen tetroxide and monomethyl hydrazine. It also uses solar cells and lithium-ion batteries provide power for the onboard systems to power the onboard digital systems.
I suspect the only thing holding us back from extreme distance space travel is controlled nuclear fusion. If we find the catalyst to trigger a fusion chain reaction such as happens in the Helium process of the sun, we would have enormous commodities within reach for every Earth business, unleashing enormous potential and dreams.
An example of fusion reaction would be the deuterium-tritium:
I hope this inspired you to travel the Milky Way.
John
