3 ms·

I guess the Space Shuttle did have main engines (and orbital maneuvering engines) but it's notable that they weren't expected to relight afterwards.

• mulmen 2y ago
  Why is that one implementation detail notable? Is it also notable that Starship's main engines are unused at launch? I realize re-lighitng main engines is novel but it isn't unique and even if it was that doesn't make the up-thread claims any less inaccurate. Shuttle was a reusable orbital vehicle with multi-day endurance capable of hypersonic reentry. Falcon 9 is not that.
  • HPsquared 2y ago
    I guess it implies that all major systems are still fully operational after re-entry. The engines still work etc. So in theory you could just refuel and send it back up.
    • deleted 2y ago
      [deleted]