Launch Star

A Launch Star is an item in Super Mario Galaxy. It is a large orange star, and is used to catapult Mario to other planets. Launch Stars are not always readily available; sometimes Mario must collect Star Chips to assemble one. Five Star Chips are needed to make a Launch Star. In addition, there are times when certain objectives must be completed on the current planet before the Launch Star will appear, such as eliminating all enemies on the planet.

Launch Stars often let Mario fly through space before landing on another planet, unlike their smaller sister items, Sling Stars. During the flights through space, Mario can grab floating Star Bits by using the Star Cursor to grab them.

Also, after feeding a Hungry Luma, it will create a new planet or galaxy and leave behind a pink Launch Star.

In Mario Kart Wii 's Rainbow Road, one large launch star appears as a cannon. The railing of the same course also has Launch Stars on them.