So sad. SpaceX reusable vehicles launch and recovery is beginning to make rocket launches look almost routine.
The problem with that is, people and companies are beginning to take the risks involved with rocket launch a bit lightly.
So may companies are so very threatened by SpaceX they may be rushing things. Overlooking things. Perhaps taking a few shortcuts.
The cost of space launches is large. Especially so for single-use systems. In order to compete with the price, something must give.
No single-use launch company can compete on an equal playing field with a multi reusable launch system without cutting some corners.
Every company engaging in space launches are very concerned about their future with their very very expensive single-use programs. SpaceX threatens them all with their multi-use launch systems.
Rocket Lab - Pics Or It Didn’t Happen Launch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZcZoDFYjXc
Not sad for Rocket Lab.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) costs to launch a military payload are $400 million.
SpaceX’s launch costs for commercial missions are $62 million.
Rocket Lab’s price for delivering up to 150 kg to a 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit is about $6 million per launch. Their goal is to reduce the manufacturing cycle on their largely 3D printed, robot-machined Electron rocket to seven days. They have a factory large enough to produce more than 50 rockets per year.
Rocket Lab has also announced plans to study the potential recovery of the Electron booster for reuse, using a parachute and mid-air retrieval. The booster of the tenth flight survived its guided re-entry and splashed down into the ocean. A full recovery attempt is planned for 2020.