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Jeff Findley wrote:

This has changed somewhat recently. Reportedly SpaceX is the one who
shelved development of Dragon V2 vertical landing. The reasons for this
aren't terribly clear, but there are hints from SpaceX that this is
because they've decided to change the (Mars) landing mode of their
(eventual) Mars vehicle.

Also apparently NASA weren't happy about cargo flights being used for
testing powered landings.

Also, SpaceX is supposed to have a press briefing about the changes in
their Mars program sometime this fall. Hopefully we'll get more
information then which will allow us to "connect the dots".

Elon is giving another presentation at IAC in Adelaide on the 29th,
cyrrently due to start talking at 04:30 UTC. Speculation is for a
not-quite-so-BFR that can be built in existing SpaceX facilities and
which won't require major strengthening of HLC-39A.

Yes, the rumors are flying. I've heard that the not quite so big BFR
would fly exclusively out of Texas, not LC-39A, but that doesn't seem
likely. I would think with this new vehicle SpaceX would want to court
things like cargo launches to NASA's proposed lunar orbiting station.
If so, NASA would likely be more comfortable with KSC launches.

Jeff
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