It could definitely be intercepted by anti-ballistic-missile systems such as the Israeli Arrow system, and modern large calibre systems like the Russian S-400.
Standard missiles, no. (Note there's a type of AA missile called the Standard SM-1/2/3/6.) However, specialized missiles (like the American THAAD and, uh, Standard SM-3) probably could
However, it can certainly be hit soon after that phase of flight. That's part of the reason that I never understood the point to point military pitch. There are so many reasons why Starship can't land anywhere near a hot zone.
Eh, still exposed less to AA due to the flight path/time in flight than a typical airplane would be. Any AA would need to be near point of landing (or very long range/expensive, like a theatre level SAM).
Not as crazy an idea as it sounds.
Biggest issue is unlike nap of the earth flying, good luck hiding you were coming in or where you landed. So better get out and moving ASAP once you land.
Yeah, exactly on the ballistic trajectory which lights up every ICBM early warning system in the hemisphere.
The other thing is how many options for diverting does a Starship have? How many mechazilla’s ya got? Can Starship change the LZ mid flight? Can it abort? Are there booster stages ready at each location for quick turn around?
And.. what exact cargo needs to be moved in 1hr, announced to the world, that would not serve the mission better by being moved more quietly in a C-130, or C-17, in 12 hours? I can’t think of one. There are spec ops teams pre positioned around the globe, and they like to keep things quiet. So what is this special cargo?
