> It is also very common for the first pancake to be a total failure. I guess, it depends on what you mean by "total failure". It's very rare for the first pa

> It is also very common for the first pancake to be a total failure. I guess, it depends on what you mean by "total failure". It's very rare for the first pancake to be inedible, or basically anything except a little misshapen. As someone who's primary interested in pancakes is eating them, that's a far cry from "total failure". But if that is your criteria, there's a very simple and effective solution: ring molds. They cost a couple of dollars on Amazon and guarantee that your pancakes will be perfect circles every time. In contrast, there is no known way to ensure that a first rocket launch will be a success. If there was, the companies launching them would do it since failed launches are extremely expensive in time, money, and reputation.