Non-reusable from a return to surface point of view, but still multimission? Or single if ship is the payload (super telescope). If it's only in LEO, it can be refueled and reused (if only as a sub-optimal depot).
Needs some level of controlled post mission disposal since an unguided Starship deorbit is a little worrying.
Greetings. This is my first post to the forum, and below I have given some speculation based on my thinking after doing a deep dive in SpaceX lately. Hopefully informed speculation isn't frowned on here.
FWIW, I'm aware of at least one startup that has been founded with the intention to build its business on the Startship Platform. What they are building will fit in Starship, and only starship, if I'm understanding it correctly. Several other startups have mentioned roadmaps that start with current launch providers but mention how they will utilize starship when it becomes available.
This is a common path in technology when a breakthrough drops prices by %90. Many businesses that were not viable before suddenly are viable and you have a whole new race of companies that spring up to build on the new technology, or in this case the new platform of Starship.
I think once Starship is operational, SpaceX will start offering (at least privately) the opportunity to buy a purpose built starship. So the engine configuration and tanks will be as we have now, but forward of the tanks there could be some flexibility. That would be a lot of area for equipment.
SpaceX is building a starship factory, and the "machine that builds the machine" is going to be making them "dirt cheap" by space standards-- since welding can be automated and the Starship is getting pretty dialed in (it appears) in parts. It's a relatively off the shelf product. The Gimbals are actuators from Optimus, the battery packs (in the past anyway) were from Tesla cars, and of course they are building a rocket factory in Boca and an engine factory in McGregor. I think Elon has commoditized starship from the beginning-- something the switch to Stainless Steel made possible.
So, if you can get a starship shell for a competitive price with an old school Boeing Satellite Bus, you suddenly have a massive increase in capability for the same cost. RVAC engines and a full load of fuel (from tanker starships and on orbit refueling) would allow you to, for instance, build an exploration mission that does a tour of the solar system, hitting multiple planets.
Or my favorite idea: A massive telescope. With Raptor Vacuum and a full load of fuel (using on orbit refueling) you could place it in whatever orbit is ideal, maybe somewhere that gives you permanent shade from the sun. EG: Instead of making something that fits in a starship, make something that
IS the front end of the starship. This gives you twice the diameter of Hubble for your mirror.
Not sure whether the forward nose cone can be jettisoned. But probably a solvable problem.
This may not be viable for whatever reason, but it might be. The game is changing.
