3 ms·

> point to point The devil is in the details. The Starship stack requires major ground infrastructure on both ends unless it’s one-time use. See: mechazilla.

> point to point The devil is in the details. The Starship stack requires major ground infrastructure on both ends unless it’s one-time use. See: mechazilla. So it’s anywhere on earth where you’ve had a couple years to build the “stage zero” infrastructure which includes a giant propellant tank farm, and the logistics to fill said tanks. Regarding other theoretical applications, the only one that is not truly sci-fi is the ability to launch Starlink size swarms. But use of kinetic anti-space asset weapons are also likely the end of space access. It’s a very fragile theater up there.

tuatoru 4y ago
>The Starship stack requires major ground infrastructure on both ends Yes, it needs an (automated) aircraft carrier fleet equivalent, or bases strategically place around the world. Not really a problem. The kinetic weapons, I was assuming, would be aimed at ground targets. Directed energy weapons for space targets (and very unlikely for ground. The atmosphere is thick.)
- consumer451 4y ago
  Ok, so let’s accept the logistics of ground support as a done deal. What type of cargo is it exactly that needs to be moved in 45 minutes, vs 12-16hrs in a C-17/130?
  - Vecr 4y ago
    A JSOC team, probably. I assume they could take the G forces, but I'm not sure about the vibration. Could be a problem because Starship is not human rated. 45 minutes is not bad on SCBA, as long as the operators stay calm.
    - consumer451 4y ago
      That was my first thought as well, but there is no hiding the coming and going of a ballistic missile (Starship) from any real enemy. I think stealth is probably an important component of SF teams, right? Starship is the opposite of stealth. I would imagine it would be better to pre-deploy SF teams close to potential theaters of operation. Then get them closer by normal means. I think I just described what JSOC currently does btw. So I still don’t know what this magical 45 minute cargo would be.

tuatoru 4y ago

>The Starship stack requires major ground infrastructure on both ends Yes, it needs an (automated) aircraft carrier fleet equivalent, or bases strategically place around the world. Not really a problem. The kinetic weapons, I was assuming, would be aimed at ground targets. Directed energy weapons for space targets (and very unlikely for ground. The atmosphere is thick.)

consumer451 4y ago
Ok, so let’s accept the logistics of ground support as a done deal. What type of cargo is it exactly that needs to be moved in 45 minutes, vs 12-16hrs in a C-17/130?
- Vecr 4y ago
  A JSOC team, probably. I assume they could take the G forces, but I'm not sure about the vibration. Could be a problem because Starship is not human rated. 45 minutes is not bad on SCBA, as long as the operators stay calm.
  - consumer451 4y ago
    That was my first thought as well, but there is no hiding the coming and going of a ballistic missile (Starship) from any real enemy. I think stealth is probably an important component of SF teams, right? Starship is the opposite of stealth. I would imagine it would be better to pre-deploy SF teams close to potential theaters of operation. Then get them closer by normal means. I think I just described what JSOC currently does btw. So I still don’t know what this magical 45 minute cargo would be.