Starship demonstrated a recoverable heavy-lift booster, aerodynamic reentry control, high-bandwidth reentry communications, and a successful test of flight software despite hardware failures, all while launching an incredibly heavy thing into space.

For comparison, the Starship can carry two dozen fully fueled V-2s into space.

[–] atocci 2 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

A bit pedantic, but unless I'm misinterpreting the Wikipedia page for the V2, I think it's only 4 to 6 fully fueled V-2s based on the listed payload capacity of 100-150 tons US.

V-2 dry: 27,600 lb
Warhead: 2,200 lb
Propellant: 8,400 lb 75% ethanol / 25% water, 10,820 lb liquid oxygen

Total weight: ~24.5 tons US

[–] Semi_Hemi_Demigod 2 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

I appreciate your pedantry. I was just going off a quick google for "weight of V-2 fully loaded" and "mass of Starship to orbit" because it's been quite a busy day here.

You're technically correct, and that's the best kind. 🎖️