Suborbital is not orbital: the distinction customers should see clearly

The words describe different flight conditions.

A suborbital vehicle may cross a defined space threshold and return without achieving the horizontal speed required to remain in orbit. The platform must state the contracted profile and must never convert “went to space” into “orbited Earth” unless the evidence actually supports that claim.

Why the distinction matters commercially.

The flight profile changes customer expectations, integration, schedule, recovery, evidence and price. Clear language reduces disappointment and protects the credibility of the certificate.