Re: No, hops aren't space launches
How many successful launches has SLS had? Has Superheavy/Starship had?
They have a reasonable plan going forward, and have demonstrated plenty of capability already. So they haven't flown an orbital class rocket yet, they have tested various parts of it quite extensively - to the point that the engines will be used by other launch companies with a long history of orbital flights.
Hops are space launches, they just aren't orbital.
Yes, orbital requires significantly more energy.
No plans aren't success, but they point that way.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
