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Re:SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video] by mikeash on Monday December 21, 2015 @09:25PM (#10775348)
They're already insanely cheap compared to most competitors. This should take them to being ludicrously cheap.
Re:SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video] by jacquesm on Monday December 21, 2015 @09:28PM (#10775371)
Let's see who tries to imitate them and do a re-use, some real competition is what's needed next.

Now for second stage re-use ;)

Re:SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video] by mikeash on Monday December 21, 2015 @09:44PM (#10775447)
I think SpaceX is sufficiently motivated by their man at the top that they'll keep doing great things even in the total absence of competition. But it would still be great to see others go this way, to see different approaches tried and such. It sounds like some other launchers were looking at reusability plans before (Ariane had plans for some wacky thing that would fly back just the engines) but now that it's been demonstrated to work I imagine it will become much more serious.
Re:SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video] by TeMPOraL on Monday December 21, 2015 @09:32PM (#10775391)
And then for the crew capsule reuse... oh wait :).

Seriously though, now I'm just waiting for updates on BFR / Mars mission development progress.

Re:SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video] by Tossrock on Tuesday December 22, 2015 @02:03AM (#10776311)
ULA is already trying to imitate them with their announced 'Vulcan' concept, where the engines eject and parachute back, but that's (many) years away from actually happening.