SpaceX is ending the production of Crew Dragon capsules. What is the reason for this?

According to information provided to the Reuters editorial office by Gwynne Shotwell, acting president, SpaceX is finishing the production of Crew Dragon capsules. This is directly related to the company’s recent efforts to build the next generation reusable launcher called Starship.

The production of Crew Dragon capsules has been completed … at least for the moment

The private space company SpaceX “is already finishing the production of the last capsule [Crew Dragon]but it still produces the components because it will renew them. ” The reason for this is the need to focus on other aspects of the company’s development, i.e. the aforementioned Starship missiles, which suffer a delay of many months due to problems with development and regulations. Current plans include a maiden orbital flight in May, and to ensure this, SpaceX has redeployed its resources to the production and development of Crew Dragon.

Last week, CEO Elon Musk said the production of the Raptor 2 engines that will be used at Starship is going well, so there are chances of delivering on promises. The legal issue may turn out to be a problem now, because a few days ago the FFA announced the renewal of the Starship rocket review process.

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As for the Crew Dragon capsules used to transport astronauts to the ISS under a 3.5 billion contract from NASA, SpaceX will have to prove double. The end of production of the new capsules means the company will only have to operate four, which it renews at its Florida facilities after each flight.