I hate to burst your bubble (well maybe “hate” is a strong word), but SpaceX has basically already done it. Check out this link that logi_cal869 posted from space.com of an article published in August. Here is an excerpt:
“The most recent reusability test, which occurred last month during a launch for commercial-satellite firm Orbcomm, was also a success, SpaceX representatives said. Indeed, SpaceX released a video captured by a camera on the Falcon 9 first stage that shows its measured descent and controlled entry into the Atlantic Ocean.”
In other words, they made a soft landing into the ocean. This shows that they have everything in place, and for their December launch they will be doing a soft landing on a platform in the Atlantic. It seems silly to say that they should “just forget about the new liquid-fueled system” since they showed back in July that it does virtually everything they want it to do from start to finish.
This is what I was talking about:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3199395/posts?page=15#15
Here’s more about the SpaceX Falcon9:
SpaceX Rocket Prototype Explodes In Texas; Rockets Are Tricky, Musk Says
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3196099/posts
and more about SpaceX’ participation in a Boeing project:
NASA awards space taxi contract to Boeing and SpaceX
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3204692/posts
and more about pork-barrels:
Three Congressmen Are Using Red Tape to Bind SpaceX to Earth
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3191941/posts
a couple more sidebars:
Airframe Structure for First Commercial Dream Chaser Spacecraft Unveiled
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3191191/posts
‘Pumpkin’ Moonship for Private Manned Lunar Landings Passes Key Review
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3019874/posts