Re:SpaceX pushed "sniper" theory with the feds far more than...
by oskarkk on Monday May 05, 2025 @02:22PM
(#43897893)
> Blowing up your competitor's rocket with a gun would be about the stupidest thing you could possibly do. The upside is low (single rocket launch ruined)
Not commenting on the overall viability of shooting a rocket by competition (it would be stupid IMO), but it's not just a single launch ruined. Launch failure can stop launches/production for months (3-4 months in this case, 5 in the case of the previous SpaceX failure), or even longer if finding the cause of the failure is very hard. A pause in business like that can destroy a company that needs cash. Also, it reduces customers' confidence in the failing rocket, which would be good for the competitor with a flawless record.
Compare that with Boeing's MCAS problems, the plane crashes themselves were less financially damaging than the resulting groundings, production pauses and canceled orders.
Not commenting on the overall viability of shooting a rocket by competition (it would be stupid IMO), but it's not just a single launch ruined. Launch failure can stop launches/production for months (3-4 months in this case, 5 in the case of the previous SpaceX failure), or even longer if finding the cause of the failure is very hard. A pause in business like that can destroy a company that needs cash. Also, it reduces customers' confidence in the failing rocket, which would be good for the competitor with a flawless record.
Compare that with Boeing's MCAS problems, the plane crashes themselves were less financially damaging than the resulting groundings, production pauses and canceled orders.