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SpaceX is copying a 1960s Soviet design and also so far failing at it. Just like the Soviets did.
by martin8412 3y ago
SpaceX is copying a 1960s Soviet design and also so far failing at it. Just like the Soviets did.
- panick21_ 3y agoThere are only so many basic engine cycles, Soviets did many the first time. That does not mean anybody using the same cycle is copying the design. The Raptor is FFSC, the Soviets once build an engine of that cycle, but it was very different, using non cryo hypergolic fuel. Also to my knowlage that engine was never sold to the West and analyized like the Nk-33 and very few were ever produced. Other then vague knowlage that a FFSC engine was once tested in the Soviet Union we don't know much more. So they can actually be copied in a meaningful way. If Merlin is copying anything it would be the Ameican H-1. Of course one you look below the very very abstract surface level, these engines are all very different. Saying SpaceX is copying 1960 Soviet designs is just wrong.