3 ms·
Generally that isn't done for a vehicle in orbit, since the distribution of debris in orbits used by other spacecraft would be significant. A Starship second s
by stetrain 2y ago
Generally that isn't done for a vehicle in orbit, since the distribution of debris in orbits used by other spacecraft would be significant.
A Starship second stage stranded in orbit would be a problem because detonation would cause a bunch of orbital debris, but simply waiting for natural re-entry would result in an unpredictable landing location that could result in large debris reaching populated areas.
Reliable, controlled re-entry to a targeted location is very important for Starship to be an operational launch system.