5 ms·
The difference between a space launch and an intercontinental ballistic missile is basically intent. Internal processes and methods are definitely a factor her
by panzagl 12y ago
The difference between a space launch and an intercontinental ballistic missile is basically intent. Internal processes and methods are definitely a factor here.
- CapitalistCartr 12y agoAnd 3 miles per second versus 5 miles per second. Plus 3 Mk 12A nuclear warheads. I guess those go to intent, though.
- wolf550e 12y agoICBMs (and SLBMs) are allowed to fail more often than spysat launchers or human rated rockets. For important targets, you can afford to launch 2 missiles, but NSA can't afford 2 $4B birds, and can't afford the lead time for a replacement if one is lost during launch. 1 year on ISS is launching on Soyuz in 40 minutes!