Nice thread. And being a private company always working to control costs, Space X re-uses boosters if possible instead of NASA always dumping into the ocean. Difference is tax dollar funding (ours) versus trying to get a return on investment. Take a look at NASA new SLS program which is multiples over budget and months if not years behind schedule.
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Originally Posted by JoMar
I have been following space launches since Al Shepard's Mercury flight. The difference between the culture of SpaceX and NASA (and Boeing) is obvious. NASA maintains the staid suit and tie operation. SpaceX introduces the casual dress, relaxed no frills atomosphere. The commentators at SpaceX are young, attractive smart people. Even the look of their spacesuits, capsule, gantry are forward looking. Trip to the pad in a Tesla X. Hopefully, this will be attractive to the next generation that wants to enter the industry, not only as an astronaut, but also on the technical side. SpaceX even has plans for deeper space exploration that differes from NASA.....exciting times ahead.
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