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Many of the "no attempt" 2018 missions were because they were reflights of older models of cores (pre-Block 5) that weren't worth keeping around. Expendable lau
by JshWright 7y ago
Many of the "no attempt" 2018 missions were because they were reflights of older models of cores (pre-Block 5) that weren't worth keeping around. Expendable launches for Block 5 boosters are far less common.
- ncmncm 7y agoRight, if you can throw away an obsolete rocket stage as part of profitably launching a much bigger load than you would have done with a re-usable one, it's hard to justify not doing it, and just selling it for scrap instead.
- Retric 7y agoThey are also removing new rockets. SpaceX is simply going to prioritize older ones for destruction assuming they can handle the payload. Remember while the first stage is significantly more valuable, it's not just a question of fuel the upper stage is destroyed with both approaches. So, combined with significantly lower payloads the cost per kg does not drop as much as you might think.