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The cost of a new-built capsule is likely more than the cost of the rocket, for both companies. Though Boeing may not be out that money in this case -- the CST-
by rst 7y ago
The cost of a new-built capsule is likely more than the cost of the rocket, for both companies. Though Boeing may not be out that money in this case -- the CST-100 is supposed to be reusable, so there's at least the prospect of relaunching the same capsule if this one lands safely (and they will try to get it back on the ground even if ISS rendezvous is no longer possible).
As for SpaceX's cadence, one of those NASA-mandated tests, which was thought to be low-risk beforehand, did blow up the capsule. That sort of thing makes it a little awkward to be critical of the test requirements afterward. And while I am also very much a fan of the "cheap iterations" approach up to a point, it's less appropriate once people are on the craft and their lives are at stake.
- mattrp 7y agoMy understanding is once the capsules splash down that’s it for the capsule as a passenger ferry. Does Boeing get to reuse theirs? I lost track of the final resolution on the stand test but if I recall I don’t think that was intended to be low risk..they shook it until something broke if I recall. But even so wouldn’t you count that as an iteration?
- rst 7y agoBoeing does get to reuse theirs. SpaceX is ultimately planning to reuse them as well, but is planning a new capsule each flight for the initial contract while negotiating recertification requirements with NASA. (That's what they did for cargo dragon as well -- they're reusing those now, but it took a while.)