> The space shuttle was reusable and yet, it is generally seen as a disappointment (and I don't believe for a second SpaceX engineers are better than NASA engin

> The space shuttle was reusable and yet, it is generally seen as a disappointment (and I don't believe for a second SpaceX engineers are better than NASA engineers). It helps that SpaceX actually lets their engineers design the rocket, while the Space Shuttle was designed by Congress for defense missions that never happened. SpaceX engineers probably aren't better than NASA engineers (though the fact that they have a clear mission and actually get stuff done helps with recruiting the best talent). The SpaceX organisation is significantly better than NASA.