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You can't really test a rocket until you fly it. You can ground test subsystems and components all you want, but that's not a system-level test of a rocket. The
by Perceval 3y ago
You can't really test a rocket until you fly it. You can ground test subsystems and components all you want, but that's not a system-level test of a rocket. The only true system-level test of a rocket is to fly it. When you deal with volatile hypergolic substances subjected to extreme conditions all flowing through a complex system-of-systems that have never been through integrated testing together, you are going to have some spectacular failures. Doesn't matter how much money you have or how clever your engineers are or what a quality organization you've implemented.
- wolverine876 3y agoHow does that address the issue of why Japan seems to have more problems in space projects?
- Perceval 3y agoIs it clear that they do have more problems? The U.S. Government blew up a majority of its initial rockets. U.S. private sector companies almost always have a failed first launch. SpaceX's Falcon 1 failed in 3 of its first 5 launches. Japan having a failed first flight is 100% what one would expect—it would be exceptional had it not failed.
- wolverine876 3y agoI'm talking about space missions in general, not just rockets in particular. But as I said, maybe it's just my perception.