Sling Pod

For the galaxy of the same name, see here. A Sling Pod is an alternative to a Launch Star that gets Mario around in some areas of Super Mario Galaxy. Sling Pods are first seen in the pathway to Tarantox in the Space Junk Galaxy.

Sling Pods are sticky, rubbery, white, wobbly balls of web that Mario, Luigi, and Toads can easily get stuck in.

To use a Sling Pod, Mario must jump into the sticky orb on the top and get stuck in it. Then with the Star Cursor, the player must grab onto the top part and hold the button down, dragging it far to the side of the area. After letting it go, the Sling Pod will send Mario flying out of it in the direction it was aimed.

They don't appear in the sequel for unknown reasons.