Reusability: The Real GOAT Metric

Thrust is easy to brag about; reuse changed the game. Falcon 9 has reflown a single booster 25+ times.

The top 3

1. Falcon 9 — 25+ flights on one booster: A single first stage has flown more than 25 times and turned around in weeks; no legacy rocket first stage ever flew twice.
2. Catching a skyscraper — the chopsticks: In Oct 2024, Super Heavy became the first booster ever caught mid-air by the launch tower's 'Mechazilla' arms.
3. Cost per kilogram — the endgame: The Space Shuttle cost ~$54,000/kg to orbit; Falcon 9 dropped it near ~$2,700/kg; Starship targets under $1,000/kg.

Sources

• Wikipedia — List of Falcon 9 first-stage boosters
• SpaceX — Starship

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