JF Mezei wrote on Thu, 15 Mar 2018
02:22:21 -0400:

On 2018-03-14 19:12, Fred J. McCall wrote:

To think that they're going to blow hundreds of millions of dollars on
a publicity stunt is even more ludicrous.

A test flight before SLS could mean a LOT to SpaceX if it means the USA
Govt kills SLS and directs Mars subsidies to SpaceX instead of to the
companies that get pork for SLS.


Let me say it again, since it seems not to have registered the first
time. BFR DOES NOT COMPETE WITH SLS. FALCON HEAVY DOES.


With the mega military spending, I suspect ATK will get plenty to eat
from military missile contracts instead of the life support from NASA to
make a couple of boosters. So it becomes politically possible to
redirect NASA's pork budget from ATK to SpaceX.


Just what military programs (other than ICBMs) are using large
segmented solid boosters?


Also, by having an early first test launch, it really shows that SpaceX
is more able to deliver than whoever is building SLS/Orion under NASA
guidance.


Let me say it again. BFR DOES NOT COMPETE WITH SLS. FALCON HEAVY
DOES.


So yes, I see plenty of reasons for Musk to push engineers to get
"something* ready to fly, even if it is an empty shell inside.


Once more. BFR DOES NOT COMPETE WITH SLS. FALCON HEAVY DOES.

Are you getting it yet?


--
"Some people get lost in thought because it's such unfamiliar
territory."
--G. Behn