Europe's Ariane 6 rocket finally ready for liftoff ( www.euractiv.com ) Englisch

Diplomjodler3 , vor 2 Tagen

It's like bringing out a new and improved horse and buggy just after Ford introduced the Model T.

Foni , vor 2 Tagen

Sorry for my ignorance, but what would the Model T be here? And why does it make this rocket obsolete? I don't know much more about the subject than I see in the press.

federalreverse Mod , vor 2 Tagen

From the article:

Ariane 6’s first launch will use two boosters, with a more powerful four-booster version scheduled for liftoff in the middle of next year.

However, the boosters and other parts of the rocket are not reusable — unlike SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

Reusability of the rocket is a big thing because it reduces cost.

Diplomjodler3 , vor 2 Tagen

Precisely. Introducing a new rocket that is not reusable in this day and age instantly makes your product obsolete.

Foni , vor 2 Tagen

That's fine, but is that so essential right now that it can be compared to going from a horse-drawn carriage to a car? I mean, do you think there won't be room for disposable launchers anymore?

Thanks for answering

poVoq OP Mod , vor 2 Tagen

It's just not cost competitive at all anymore.

One can argue about having a disposable second stage (like Falcon-9) vs. full re-usability (like the upcoming Starship), as the latter is not very efficient fuel wise. But not having a reusable first stage just makes it way too expensive to be able to compete in the currently market dominated by the Falcon-9.

Foni , vor 2 Tagen

Thanks for the explanations, I hope that ESA develops something more updated soon