> The key clue is it’s moved to the suborbital launch pad. This means it can launch without the SuperHeavy booster.
I think you’re confused. SpaceX has been testing all their Starship prototypes on the suborbital launch pad (e.g. cryo testing, static fires, etc.). This is not an indication it will launch from that platform.
Fyi, Starship by itself, even in an expandable configuration, cannot reach orbit. It needs SuperHeavy even if it were empty (also, the additional 3 engines are vacuum optimized and are only meant to be started at a higher altitude).
RusticMachine t1_j8ixtpl wrote
Reply to comment by RGregoryClark in SpaceX rolls naked Starship prototype to test site by RGregoryClark
> The key clue is it’s moved to the suborbital launch pad. This means it can launch without the SuperHeavy booster.
I think you’re confused. SpaceX has been testing all their Starship prototypes on the suborbital launch pad (e.g. cryo testing, static fires, etc.). This is not an indication it will launch from that platform.
Fyi, Starship by itself, even in an expandable configuration, cannot reach orbit. It needs SuperHeavy even if it were empty (also, the additional 3 engines are vacuum optimized and are only meant to be started at a higher altitude).