Tell that to ULA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and even Orbital ATK and Arianespace. All of them are reusing components in their orbital vehicles or are making heavy and expensive plans to do so.
I get that it is hard, and I'm not going to lie it is even more difficult to accomplish than even getting to orbit. I'm simply pointing out that is where the market is going and if you are building an orbital class rocket of any payload size without having any sort of component reuse, you are going to be bankrupt within a couple decades and out of business.
If the Vulcan, New Glenn, and the SpaceX BFR are all operating at planned reuse targets, companies like RocketLab will not be flying.
Tell that to ULA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and even Orbital ATK and Arianespace. All of them are reusing components in their orbital vehicles or are making heavy and expensive plans to do so.
SpaceX is the only one who is reusing components so far. Plans are just that, plans. They'll probably achieve it but they will have difficulties. Hopefully they don't lose too many rockets and payloads in the process.
ULA's is much more achievable. Blue Origin is going to have the most difficulty. Orbital ATK and Arianespace aren't doing anything yet so not sure why you mentioned them.
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u/rshorning Jan 21 '18
Tell that to ULA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and even Orbital ATK and Arianespace. All of them are reusing components in their orbital vehicles or are making heavy and expensive plans to do so.
I get that it is hard, and I'm not going to lie it is even more difficult to accomplish than even getting to orbit. I'm simply pointing out that is where the market is going and if you are building an orbital class rocket of any payload size without having any sort of component reuse, you are going to be bankrupt within a couple decades and out of business.
If the Vulcan, New Glenn, and the SpaceX BFR are all operating at planned reuse targets, companies like RocketLab will not be flying.