On: Space Tethers: Stringing Up the Solar System

[rklaehn]

How is that different from aerocapture, which is what Starship is going to do?

You are coming in at hyperbolic velocity and have to use the thin and very variable atmosphere to break into an orbit.

At least the tether is completely predictable.

[FeepingCreature → rklaehn]

Hard to miss an atmosphere. If you're off to the side a bit, no big deal.

[jacobush → FeepingCreature]

Actually it's completely plausible to skip on the surface of it. Bit easier to hit sideways, yes.