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Comment by Tepix | original | SpaceX catches the Starship to end Flight 15
[−]Tepix · 2026-11-14 Sat 23:02 UTC · link
Fuel transfer isn't needed to launch to LEO at much lower cost.
[−]firesteelrain · 2026-11-14 Sat 23:11 UTC · link
It’s needed to go to the Moon based on the current Artemis design
[−]sroussey · 2026-11-14 Sat 23:21 UTC · link
Which is of secondary concern. SpaceX makes money on Starlink, not launches.
[−]mathgeek · 2026-11-14 Sat 23:41 UTC · link
This depends on what you're considering to be the main goal of Starship. Both of you are correct that Starship's stated goals included what you're considering the goal.
[−]pfdietz · 2026-11-14 Sat 23:37 UTC · link
If the simple industrial process of pumping liquid from one tank to another is too difficult, one wonders exactly what sort of society anyone could imagine building in space.

The main reason fuel depots and fuel transfer were disparaged was to protect the gravy train of SLS. But that's essentially over.

[−]TeMPOraL · 2026-11-14 Sat 23:56 UTC · link
Nothing is simple in zero g. All our industrial processes have baked in assumption about gravity (and most also about the composition and pressure of surrounding air).