cjl
Science Advisor
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mfb said:The baseline so far is a disposable rocket. The re-usable version is a modified first stage.
Yes, but the Falcon 9 was designed from the start with reusability in mind, and many of the design decisions were based around that, especially if you look at the "V1.1" and newer variants (which were a pretty heavy redesign compared to the originals). If you designed a rocket from scratch for disposability, it wouldn't necessarily end up with the same set of compromises.
Oh, and as for the FH, I'll believe the cost numbers when it's operational, though I do hope it delivers on its promises.