As long as each rocket gets into orbit, despite the incremental improvements, then gradually SpaceX will earn the trust of even the doubters. If SpaceX has a total failure during a launch, then all of the naysayers will have plenty of ammunition to aim at the tinkering process of v1.1, v1.2, v1.3.But if SpaceX goes another two years with all rockets getting into orbit, landing stage 1 in Florida with full HD video, etc. Then it will be tough for the old school guys to keep denying SpaceX's way of doing things. In fact, all of the other players will likely have to start copying SpaceX if they want to remain relevant.
Quote from: savuporo on 05/25/2014 03:17 pm"Each time Elon flies a mission, it's a new rocket"Not if he makes them reusable.
"Each time Elon flies a mission, it's a new rocket"
As long as each rocket gets into orbit, despite the incremental improvements, then gradually SpaceX will earn the trust of even the doubters. If SpaceX has a total failure during a launch, then all of the naysayers will have plenty of ammunition to aim at the tinkering process of v1.1, v1.2, v1.3...
Quote from: Jason1701 on 05/25/2014 03:21 pmQuote from: savuporo on 05/25/2014 03:17 pm"Each time Elon flies a mission, it's a new rocket"Not if he makes them reusable. doubt the AF is going for reusable to save a few $$.
Quote from: RocketGoBoom on 05/25/2014 03:46 pmAs long as each rocket gets into orbit, despite the incremental improvements, then gradually SpaceX will earn the trust of even the doubters. If SpaceX has a total failure during a launch, then all of the naysayers will have plenty of ammunition to aim at the tinkering process of v1.1, v1.2, v1.3.But if SpaceX goes another two years with all rockets getting into orbit, landing stage 1 in Florida with full HD video, etc. Then it will be tough for the old school guys to keep denying SpaceX's way of doing things. In fact, all of the other players will likely have to start copying SpaceX if they want to remain relevant.Timeliness is almost as important.