So I see a lot of discussion on Reddit about how orbital refueling is a make or break moment and if it’s not possible the concept is invalid. If orbital refueling isn’t feasible then starship is destined to stay in LEO. I think that would be fine as I think that’s where its immediate capabilities are most striking.

LEO gives you access to microgravity and access to microgravity is the thing that could fundamentally alter the global economy. Printed organs, novel pharmaceuticals, metallic alloys never before seen, metallic hydrides, better carbon nanotube structures, next gen optics, thin films and better superconductors are just some of the products that microgravity could revolutionize the manufacture of.

While colonizing mars is sexy and I truly hope it happens in my lifetime, creating an orbital manufacturing economy could be the biggest game changer of the 21st century. There’s just so many things that are practical and productive that you can manufacture in microgravity that I think starship will remake our economy.

If it can also do orbital refueling and gets us to the moon and mars then that’s just wonderful. But kickstarting the orbital economy is what I think is going to be the headline when future historians discuss the impact of starship.

When the chop sticks are about to catch the booster, why does the booster correct itself meters away from the chopsticks and move merely sideways in to the arms?

Why isn’t the correction made higher up, so that the booster falls directly in to the chopstick arms from above.

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I know they are working their way through the mishap investigation, but has there been any knew information released that points towards a likely launch date for the next Starship test flight?

It’s theoretically possible and you won’t need to rebuild the tank

I saw a Shuttle launch from Orlando but I don't know about a Falcon launch. Are we likely to see the Tuesday afternoon launch if it goes?

Thank you for any insights.

Hi everyone!

I’m planning a trip and would love to catch a SpaceX rocket launch—specifically either a Starship launch at BocaChica with the tower catch or one of the regular launches from Orlando. I have a few questions:

1. When are SpaceX launches usually scheduled? Are there any reliable sources or calendars to keep track of upcoming launches?
2. Do I need tickets to watch a launch? If so:
   • How far in advance should I purchase them?
   • Where can I buy tickets?
3. Are there specific viewing locations you'd recommend for the best experience?

I’m really excited about this and want to make sure I plan it right. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance! 🚀

Just wanted to share the photo.

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https://pswscience.org/meeting/2498/ Skip to 17:00 for the actual presentation content. I think this 2024 presentation by Mike Griffin, which is based upon his testimony to Congress, is on-topic since SpaceX of course has a critical role in NASA's Artemis program. Dr. Griffin is a former NASA Administrator and holds several technical degrees including PhD in Aerospace Engineering and MS in Applied Physics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_D._Griffin