They are testing, learning and evolving the program, and they’re doing it in public so we’re lucky enough to get some inside tech details.
replyIt continues to improve. Be patient.
I'm completely aware. But this is the third flight in a row with a half payload. If this trend continues, it's not a good sign for Starship block 3's performance capabilities.
reply“If this trend continues” about Falcon 1. About Falcon 9 landings, about Falcon 9 reuse, about starlink capacity, about starship launching at all, about the heat shield, about the catch, about the towers, about drone ship landings…….
replyThat has been the narrative about every single step spacex has ever taken.
And you know what the trend is?
They are kicking fucking ass. Annihilating old space and the writing the game one incremental win at a time.
Yes, the trend is incredibly good.
Past wins are great, and I expect Starship to succeed. Block 4 and beyond will handle this payload, no problem.
replyNow the actual question: why is block 3 flying half loaded? You got a technical reason, or just vibes?
If Starship succeeds, that will be about half an hour's worth of launch capacity in the early 30s.
replyI'm fully aware. But Starlink is blocked by today's Starship launch cadence and payload capacity. Pointing out Starship could handle this payload 5 years in the future isn't helpful.
replyAll of Starlink's future ambitions are blocked by today's Starship.