(Derek Clarke) wrote:

:I think an expendable LSAM saves cash!
:
:A reusable one would need a complicated restartable rethrottleable
:descent / ascent stage engine, whereas the ones planned for the separate
:ascent and descent stages are very simple and robust, hence cheap.

Then why don't we use disposable cars and aircraft?

Expendables are only 'cheaper' because nobody has expended the capital
investment to design a 'reusable' set up for minimum operating costs.
Even the phrase 'reusable' implies there's a high turn-around cost. We
don't need 'reusable' vehicles; we need vehicles that operate like
planes, trains, and automobiles, with minimal maintenance other than
refueling between trips.

--
"Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute."
-- Charles Pinckney