I think the challenge is doing it with zero ground infrastructure (such as lander stages that are left behind as launch pads, like the LM octagon). Even DC-X(A) used a concrete pad rather than an unprepared dusty, rocky dirt patch, which could cause blowback issues from engine exhausts.
I hope someone takes a further look at using ideas like FAST for initial lunar landings: https://masten.aero/blog/mitigating-lunar-dust-masten-completes-fast-landing-pad-study/
With the Moon, having a ring of engines high up will do.
sacd.larc.nasa.gov
If that's the plan. I'd read that it was no longer.
Just when you start to relax something retarded like this happens. Yeah, lets combine NASA with the Dept of Transportation. China must be pissing themselves laughing.
Rightly so. Dynetics has no legacy, no hardware or no cred. Just a Marshall revolving door.
Tongue somewhat in cheek, this could lead to a For All Mankind type scenario: China wins at first, energising the US to surpass it. Between Duffy's fecklessness and Musk's puerility, the first part is almost guaranteed. Not sure about the rest.
I'm curious how SpaceX is contributing to the US being 3rd place to the Moon. (We're already 1st place. The contest is between 2nd and 3rd.) What could SpaceX be doing that they aren't already doing?
To be fair, the race currently is for sustainable operations.
And how is SpaceX slowing us down? What should they be doing faster that they're not already doing (at a breakneck pace compared to others)?
I'm saying the opposite. SpaceX is at this point the only unchallenged bright spot in entire Sinoamerican tech race which China just can't counter.
SpaceX yes, but I was thinking of Musk's consistent tendency to bite the hand that feeds him. Eventually the hand might be withdrawn - that would be stupid, but...
What a gross mischaracterization.
We shall see, and remember...
Yet. They are working hard to change the situation.
Not appproved by The Church Of Elon.
Might the government have done anything to warrant such a response, or is Musk the only entity with freedom of choice, and thus responsibility?
Dependence on government money is not the issue, but compliance with government laws, rules, and regulations is. No shortcuts for rich guys.
Even when those were being abused to target Musk? I’m not in favor of imitating Lavrentiy Beria. For the historically ignorant among us, he’s infamous for saying something like, “Give me the man and I will give you the case against him.” If the rule of law matters, that means it also applies to the rich, no matter how little we like them.
"Abuse" is in the (political/ideological) eye of the beholder. With great power comes great responsibility, but everyone is (ideally) equal under the law.
