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Space Exploration

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  • $\begingroup$ There's a lot to criticize about the SLS, but it is not solely pork. And I'm fairly certain NASA wouldn't want Falcon 9 as boosters even if they got to make their dream rocket. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 18, 2018 at 2:53
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    $\begingroup$ @RobRose The only other possible mission that wouldn't be a lot cheaper by other means is boosting something too heavy for any other launcher. It's pork. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 18, 2018 at 3:51
  • $\begingroup$ Launching things that are too heavy for any other launcher is exactly what's made for. Falcon Heavy can't do much BEO and it has a too small faring anyway. Space exploration has never and will never be a cheap endeavor. Politicians have definitely hindered the SLS, by not giving adequate funding and by adding useless pork. But we've still only spent $11B on it, which is pocket change for the US Government. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 18, 2018 at 19:02
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    $\begingroup$ @RobRose But how many payloads too heavy for the Falcon 9 are there? And will the SLS fly before the BFR is ready? $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 19, 2018 at 3:38
  • $\begingroup$ SLS will probably fly end of 2019 or early 2020. Musk says BFR will fly next year, but he also said FH would fly in 2013 in 2011. So I doubt it will ever fly before SpaceX burns through all its cash. And pretty much anything you want going beyond earth orbit is too heavy for FH or F9. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 19, 2018 at 6:15