tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673435362400368888.post8802365962444124029..comments2023-04-01T13:39:24.156-07:00Comments on RocketsAndSuch: Hey, Bartender!Rocket Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109496878476775729noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673435362400368888.post-53064840046792238372008-03-04T17:52:00.000-08:002008-03-04T17:52:00.000-08:00I guess that's what I'm after myself, the record b...I guess that's what I'm after myself, the record breaking reusable rocket.<BR/><BR/>A so called minimal reusable rocket, with the caveats that it must reach orbit, and must be compatible with conventional EELV and COTS servicing.<BR/><BR/>Something as a worthy successor to both the Apollo and Space Shuttle, programs but also paying tribute.<BR/><BR/>According to your theory its a good thing I don't have unlimited funds. <BR/><BR/>I also don't have a lot of time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673435362400368888.post-38857887391817687162008-03-04T17:33:00.000-08:002008-03-04T17:33:00.000-08:00The basic problem is that the prime purpose of the...The basic problem is that the prime purpose of the US space program is not to do anything useful, it's to distribute the aerospace pork.<BR/><BR/>Under such circumstances, even the best creative genius fuelled by great scads of money will produce nothing but a large set of "almosts", projects 20-80% completed before cancellation, year after year, and always with cost overruns.<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure what the solution is. It seems an inherent flaw in the current US political process. I do know that if the flaw was remedied, the US wouldn't be facing serious competition from China et al, nations that have far less experience and/or resources devoted to the problem.<BR/><BR/>Still, I'm in the only country that has had two record-breaking successful space programs, with a 100% project success rate of bleeding-edge technology - and has abandoned them. Not abandoned projects, but whole space programs. *Sigh*<BR/><BR/>Maybe (pace Tom Lehrer) I should just start learning Mandarin.Zoe Brainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13712045376060102538noreply@blogger.com