Ask HN: Why are SpaceX's smaller space missiles being launched? 3 points by aharonovich 11y ago ↗ HN The Falcon costs ~3 times more than the Falcon Heavy per Kg of mass, so why not combine several Falcon launches to one Falcon Heavy?
[–] dylanhassinger 11y ago ↗ because the Falcon Heavy isn't out of development yet.And because it relies on the Falcon for parts. So getting the Falcon running perfectly is first priority.And because not every payload will make sense for a Falcon Heavy, there will probably still be a logistical need for a smaller rocket.And last but not least, the Falcon price will probably come down once they get the re-landing legs working. [–] jacquesm 11y ago ↗ And finally, because it would require payloads that are all destined for roughly the same orbits. [–] aharonovich 11y ago ↗ Ah, now this makes sense. Should have thought about that... Thanks :)
[–] jacquesm 11y ago ↗ And finally, because it would require payloads that are all destined for roughly the same orbits. [–] aharonovich 11y ago ↗ Ah, now this makes sense. Should have thought about that... Thanks :)
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[ 3.3 ms ] story [ 14.4 ms ] threadAnd because it relies on the Falcon for parts. So getting the Falcon running perfectly is first priority.
And because not every payload will make sense for a Falcon Heavy, there will probably still be a logistical need for a smaller rocket.
And last but not least, the Falcon price will probably come down once they get the re-landing legs working.