I know its literally rocket science and a lot of very complex systems need to work together, but shouldnt we be able to iterate on a working formular?
In: Engineering
Rockets have a lot of constraints that make it kinda a miracle they are as reliable as they are.
You need to cram as much highly energetic fuel as possible into as little rocket as possible. If you use safer or more manageable fuel, or build more rocket to control it you lose the very small capacity you have to lift stuff (other than the rocket & fuel) into space.
We use similar technologies for ICMBs, ground to air, & air to air missiles that are perfectly reliable because it’s an easier problem that allows for some wiggle room in design.
TLDR
Because it’s a hard problem with no easy compromises. Most games with this many cards stacked against you just aren’t played.
Latest Answers