4 ms·
> getting a rocket to orbit isn't that big of a deal these days. There are have only been maybe a dozen LEO+ launch families developed ever, and less than a ha
by mbell 6y ago
> getting a rocket to orbit isn't that big of a deal these days.
There are have only been maybe a dozen LEO+ launch families developed ever, and less than a handful by private companies. There exist only 3 active systems in the same category as New Glenn (Long March 5, Delta IV, Falcon Heavy).
Getting anything more than a toy to orbit is _extremely_ difficult, and many have lost untold millions trying to get just a toy to orbit. It is a _really big deal_.
- jncraton 6y agoI shouldn't have said that it isn't a big deal these days, as that devalues the scope of the achievement of getting a payload to orbit. I simply mean that orbital flight is something that we are able to do with the proper funding and resources. I still think that Bezos can do it if he wants to. If SpaceX were for sale, Bezos could buy them 5 times over (as of their valuation based on their February funding). I have to believe that level of capital could build a company with similar capabilities. SpaceX has done, and continues to do, incredible work, but their success isn't magical, and it should be repeatable for another company.
- HeadsUpHigh 6y ago>but their success isn't magical, and it should be repeatable for another company. Not 100% true, SpaceX went against a market that was not only disposable but also extremely inefficiently built. Today's market is significantly more competitive both from SpaceX's side but the other launchers have also decreased prices and are in the process of building cheaper rockets as well.