Comments on: Europe at last launches Ariane-6

By: Blair Ivey

Blair Ivey — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:56:02 +0000

Ray Van Dune:

I did a BOTE analysis of launcher reusability by dry mass fraction recovered. Falcon 9 has an 87% reusability (1st stage and fairing), while Falcon Heavy has an astounding 97% reusability if all three boosters and the fairing are recovered. Even expending the center booster yields a 64% re-use. Starship/Super Heavy, of course, is designed for 100% re-use. I would think that an environmentalist would be a SpaceX fangirl, given that it is only one of two companies, Rocket Lab being the other, that recycles their equipment. That she is not, makes me think that her ‘environmentalism’ is a cover for her politics. Does she truly want more efficient, less impactful industry (engineering!), or is that only true if the ‘right’ people are in charge?

“I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is
southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.”

Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2 Shakespeare 1603

By: pzatchok

pzatchok — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:41:50 +0000

I can see why they finished and launched this craft. The old sunk finances problem. Pay to much already to stop now.

But I will be surprised if they keep flying past next year. And I would love to see them announce a re-usable rocket soon.

By: Ray Van Dune

Ray Van Dune — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:24:35 +0000

My idiot Sister-in-Law keeps talking about how SpaceX is a “monopoly” because they charge less than what everyone else does, principally by reusing their rockets instead of throwing them in the ocean. Did I mention that she’s an environmentalist too? God help us.

By: M. Murcek

M. Murcek — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:31:34 +0000

Another expendable rocket. They are chortling over at SpaceX…