>>10150326Look at how many difficulties NASA is facing at making the super heavy launch rocket called the SLS. This is despite the rocket using available flight proven technologies and hardware that is ready to go NOW, and a design made by the tremendous expertise of both NASA and its contractors.
Now take into account that in the SLS design;
1.There are no experimental engines using fuel cycle never attempted before and meant to operate for years without maintenance and capable of landing on other worlds.
2.There are no experimental cryogenic carbon fiber fuel tanks surpassing the ultimately failed X-33 attempt from NASA.
3.There are no experimental flight profiles involving the never attempted orbital refueling maneuver before.
4.There is no experimental heat shield technology surpassing anything the venerated Space Shuttle could dream of.
5.There is no experimental never attempted before propulsive landing technology from orbital and even(!) interplanetary velocities.
6.There is no extended life support system rivaling and SURPASSING that of the International Space Station, the greatest achievement of America and the world in space after the Moon landings.
7.There is no expectation it will act as a Space Shuttle spaceship capable of landing almost everywhere in the Solar System and returning to Earth ready to go again.
Yet despite all this the SLS is a marvel of rocket technology pushing the limits of engineering in order to create the largest most powerful rocket ever. It is difficult, it is hard, it will take time. But, it is possible. The dream rocket proposed by Musk... is not.
