Falcon already delivered DSCOVR to Sun-Earth L1, while PSLV only flew MOM to a highly elliptical Earth orbit and MOM had to use its own propulsion for TMI.
Re:Why America Needs India’s Rockets
by lukealization on Thursday November 03, 2016 @03:32PM
(#12867193)
Sun-Earth L1, while not in Earth's orbit, is still within the Earth's Sphere Of Influence as it has a negative Characteristic Energy value.
>> Falcon already delivered DSCOVR to Sun-Earth L1, while PSLV only flew MOM to a highly elliptical Earth orbit and MOM had to use its own propulsion for TMI.
Wait till PSLV delivers Aditya-1[1][2] to L1.
[1] http://www.isro.gov.in/aditya-l1-first-indian-mission-to-stu...
Re:Why America Needs India’s Rockets
by greglindahl on Thursday November 03, 2016 @03:33PM
(#12867204)
Cite?
I don't object to the respondent: it's true, SpaceX has broken out of earth orbit -- but that's still a far cry from deploying to Mars.
My point stands: SpaceX needs to get to Mars once before we can start calling them serious interplanetary contenders.
Re:Why America Needs India’s Rockets
by greglindahl on Thursday November 03, 2016 @04:20PM
(#12867573)
I'm not sure why it's important to debate whether or not a company is a "serious interplanetary contender", but I do think it's important to get the facts correct.
Mark to market applies as much to space technology as it does to credit default swaps.