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.
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.
Is there a reason that China has inland launch sites rather than on their vast east coast?
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.
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.