>>13622014Its taking this long for the FIRST booster flight because the launch tower hasn't been built, the fueling systems haven't been built, the license to fly haven't been given yet, environmental reviews are pending right now. Luckily the tower and the fueling system is mainly done. License/Enviro reviews are in FAA's hand right now.
Secondly, all flights from boca wont take this long because the problem above is one time only. After its done, all future flight will be much faster/smoother.
Thirdly, there is a huge difference between energy required to fly 10 km and one thats required to fly 100 km at orbital velocity. That means much more fuel, much more engines, much more mass and more importantly much more explosive power should things go wrong. So thats one of the concerns for the FAA/SpaceX right now, they'll work things out. We can only hope soon. Otherwise, we'll see the rocket stay grounded for a while. OR in case of extreme deadlock, SpaceX will move the rocket overseas and launch 20 miles from Boca.
The first step is the biggest step as you're moving from 0 momentum. Once the first booster is flying/testing, the next 10 combined will be easier than the first one alone.
