> If people can maintain underwater nuclear-powered coffins armed with nukes for 50 years, why can't they maintain a (then) functional space rocket? Can? Sure

> If people can maintain underwater nuclear-powered coffins armed with nukes for 50 years, why can't they maintain a (then) functional space rocket? Can? Sure you can. Absolutely. Did they? No. There was no mandate, no requirement, no project, no budget. Put that Ohio submarine into a dry dock, send everyone home. Tell them to find something new to do because the project has ended. Do you think you will be able to re-launch submarine in a year later if you changed your mind? How about ten years later? How about 51 years later? I wouldn't hold my breath. The best way to maintain a capability is by regularly exercising it. The Ohio did that every year constantly, the Apollo program did not.