Good stuff, Ian. Wonder what's the cost per kg launch for each of the family launchers? I think that's a good way to compare as the weight capabilities vary.
Great point, cost per kg is a nice way to compare. You can always take the launch cost and divide by the payload capacity in my graphs. For example the PSLV comes to about $4,700/kg and Soyuz is $8,500/kg
You mentioned that countries are secretive about the technology on their rockets. Understandable. Are there any circumstances in which a security-sensitive component could wind up in another country in a condition that would allow examination? Are countries counting on such components burning up upon re-entry or explosive failure? Do any sensitive components remain in orbit subject to collection by scavenger satellites (do these exist?). Can components be designed so as to be particularly difficult to reverse engineer if recovered? Many questions.
Thank you for the questions! If not possible to launch on a domestic rocket, then a satellite provider with sensitive technology would seek to launch with a friendly nation. Satellite companies will have their personnel accompany the satellites to ensure that it is cared for properly, but I'm not sure what other precautions can be taken to avoid inspection. In space there are examples of satellites from different nations drifting close to each other, possibly with one looking to examine the other and that has definitely led to concern by the countries involved.
Is there a reason that China has inland launch sites rather than on their vast east coast?
Thanks for the question! It's mostly a remnant of China's major launch facilities being built inland during the Cold War because coastal regions were considered too exposed to foreign nations. Here's a little more on the subject if you're interested: https://www.inkstonenews.com/politics/why-china-launches-its-rockets-inland-not-coastlines/article/3008604
Good stuff, Ian. Wonder what's the cost per kg launch for each of the family launchers? I think that's a good way to compare as the weight capabilities vary.
Great point, cost per kg is a nice way to compare. You can always take the launch cost and divide by the payload capacity in my graphs. For example the PSLV comes to about $4,700/kg and Soyuz is $8,500/kg
You mentioned that countries are secretive about the technology on their rockets. Understandable. Are there any circumstances in which a security-sensitive component could wind up in another country in a condition that would allow examination? Are countries counting on such components burning up upon re-entry or explosive failure? Do any sensitive components remain in orbit subject to collection by scavenger satellites (do these exist?). Can components be designed so as to be particularly difficult to reverse engineer if recovered? Many questions.
Thank you for the questions! If not possible to launch on a domestic rocket, then a satellite provider with sensitive technology would seek to launch with a friendly nation. Satellite companies will have their personnel accompany the satellites to ensure that it is cared for properly, but I'm not sure what other precautions can be taken to avoid inspection. In space there are examples of satellites from different nations drifting close to each other, possibly with one looking to examine the other and that has definitely led to concern by the countries involved.