Comments
rocketsocks t1_j9m8tpm wrote
I guess it's very fortunate we live in a time where small scale orbital rocketry can be taken for granted. It's still nice to see more players enter the field, especially with different approaches.
Bewaretheicespiders t1_j9mcqes wrote
It is nice. I guess Im annoyed by their constant focus on it being 3D printed. It does not give the rocket more merit. So far *everyone* is losing money with small launchers, and I dont see how this one will be any different with its pricing. So Im treating it more as gaining experience for their medium rocket. I dont expect Terran 1 to live very long, or to have a significant impact.
Makhnos_Tachanka t1_j9moxog wrote
I'm sure it'll have plenty of impact, just as falcon 1 did, as a technology demonstrator. Really, terran 1 is a demonstration of their ability to print the rocket, stick all the avionics together with their engines, and get to orbit. For them to have any chance of securing the funding for terran r, which actually does take advantage of the 3d printing process, they kinda have to start small. And ultimately, what they're really building here is the ability to build rockets on the moon and mars, which is a big deal in and of itself. Same goes for spinlaunch, for that matter. They're both building launch vehicles with technologies that don't make that much sense on earth, but do make a ton of sense once you get off it.
Bewaretheicespiders t1_j9ncf1c wrote
I dont see the economics of building rockets on moon and mars until they have a complete industrial base and then, 3D printing is unlikely matter. In fact for a long time its likely there will be a surplus of rockets on Mars. Since (almost) everything will have to be imported, but little exported.
alphagusta t1_j9nx430 wrote
Its essentially a scaled down ops and manufacturing test for the real vehicle the way I see it
But I agree, wishing them all the best
Disastrous_Elk_6375 t1_j9o0ctj wrote
This is how SpX started ~20 years ago, and look at them now.
[deleted] t1_j9moq2d wrote
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[deleted] t1_j9o9zik wrote
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[deleted] t1_j9pylz2 wrote
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Bewaretheicespiders t1_j9l36fm wrote
Its a little bit difficult to get excited about a small expendable rocket these days, but its nice to finally see an attempt from them. Good luck.