Comments on: Indonesia government offering proposed launch site to SpaceX and others

By: pzatchok

pzatchok — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 02:28:13 +0000

To many ITAR issues to let Space X use the latest and greatest tech outside of the US.

But other smaller companies could use it if the tech is old enough. Like solid fuel rockets. Shipping them over would be easy.

By: Concerned

Concerned — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 20:21:05 +0000

Once the space economy really gets going, equatorial launch sites will be a must. Rand Simberg calls equatorial LEO (ELEO) “Earth’s Natural Harbor”. For an economy that relies on frequent reusable tanker flights and on-orbit depots and tugs that need periodic refilling, the conclusion is compelling.

By: pawn

pawn — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 19:31:02 +0000

I keep recommending the east end of Vieques.

By: Richard M

Richard M — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 19:03:20 +0000

It is an interesting idea, but . . . Even if SpaceX could find a way to navigate ITAR issues, I think it’s not going to be easy to make a launch site there make business sense in terms of their logistics, supply chains, and workforces — even if Indonesia literally subsidizes them.

By: pawn

pawn — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 13:24:54 +0000

The Kennedy Space Center sans SpaceX is pretty much obsolete at this point.

Need to shut down the pointless SLS and hand most of the LC area over to SpaceX and fully convert the rest over to a tourist attraction.

The NASA civil servants can try and find a real job.

By: Jeff Wright

Jeff Wright — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 17:48:37 +0000

The Celebes are right on the Equator.