It’s been more than 40 years since the first successful space shuttle launch. However, as we saw with the recent NASA launch, we still have launch failures. Why is it so tough to achieve reliability in space shuttle launches? Does this apply to all space technology?

Question

It’s been more than 40 years since the first successful space shuttle launch. However, as we saw with the recent NASA launch, we still have launch failures. Why is it so tough to achieve reliability in space shuttle launches? Does this apply to all space technology?

In:

Answer 1

As with everything it is all about money. The cheapest launches will be stripped down and have as little spare parts and extra strength as possible. There is no point making a rocket out of concrete so it could withstand a crash, but at the same point it has to handle the power of the engines, wind, rain, pressure etc. There is a fine balance, and the closer you are to the limit the less fuel you need or the more weight you have left to use up on the satellite or passengers.