Anonymous submitted this idea :
"bob haller" wrote in message news:b12e1d69-1446-458b-
...
was the breakthru just a awesome idea? or breakthus in materials
engines etc that made it possible?

Obviously yes. Very little has changed in rocketry in over 40, maybe
even 50 years. Only computers have become smaller and more powerful,
but in materials and propulsion technology nothing is used in Falcon 9
/ Dragon that wasn't available in the 1970's, although it might have
been more expensive.

Are you sure it wasn't that the design and fabrication techniques that
were developed since the '70s. Computer evolution isn't just the
modules that go in the GNC, it's also the tools that sit on Mr
Findley's desk. And Merlin was reported to heavily leverage several
advanced engine design studies.

/dps

--
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