Re:Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket powers into space
by threeseed on Wednesday July 10, 2024 @07:48AM
(#40925861)
> In that context, launch costs do really matter.
Not really.
Strategically important projects rarely live or die based on costs.
Especially when they are a fraction of the total spend on the project.
Re:Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket powers into space
by nordsieck on Wednesday July 10, 2024 @10:04AM
(#40927021)
> There was a lot of hubris in the project in the beginning and now it’s clear that they are years behind.
That may be true of other projects, but LEO communications satellite constellations have a history of going bankrupt. Cost is very relevant in this case.
> Especially when they are a fraction of the total spend on the project.
I guess 40-50% is technically a fraction.
That may be true for a few military satellites. But ESA is talking about putting up a Europoean mega-constellation. In that context, launch costs do really matter.