Re:The Hyperloop was always a scam
by modeless on Friday December 22, 2023 @05:32PM
(#38739392)
That would be true if the main payload left the rocket with spare capacity but that just isn't the case. SpaceX's main payload can use every last kilogram of capacity. Every kilogram they sell as rideshare is a kilogram they lose for Starlink. They'll still have to pay the cost to launch that kilogram later so there's nothing free here. As I already pointed out...
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Starlink satellites are huge (500 kg) and a small number of them are often are the main payload.
Re:The Hyperloop was always a scam
by ianburrell on Saturday December 23, 2023 @03:35PM
(#38747946)
SpaceX hasn't launched any production Starlink satellites as extra payload. They have all been full groups on dedicated launches.
Re:The Hyperloop was always a scam
by bryanlarsen on Sunday December 24, 2023 @10:00AM
(#38753854)
There are two types of Starlink rideshare. Transporter goes to SSO and is dedicated to rideshare. But the other is Starlink adjacent LEO which bumps a Starlink or 3 for your payload. There haven't been many of those but there have been a few.