The VentureStar was to use metal tiles–Iconel or something.

Being wide (due to hydrolox) it was somewhat fluffy–less wing-loading I would imagine.

I know that I am going to get blow-back from this, but the idea of the External Tank wet-workshops needs to be looked at, again.

I would suggest a return of the top cargo carriers looked at for use on ETs, and the Zubrin-Ares with only engines and avionics being returned in a small pod.

Only that pod would need heat-shielding.

SH is captured via chopsticks–but Starship is only the top cargo carrier.

Once free from the inert tankage, it’s pristine heat shield that was free from exposure during ascent can be deployed–preferably a very wide LOFTID type inflatable structure good for Earth, Mars, and Venus payloads.

Only lunar Starship stays in one piece as its own depot for dual use.

Lunar Starship is flat up top–to be a big spacecraft bus to shove payloads out of Earth orbit. A small burn allows the bus to loop around the Moon and return

Rocketship XM is dead.

Apollo’s lessons are forever.