Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

TuckerCarlsonsOhface t1_jeg8qf3 wrote

Reply to comment by Bewaretheicespiders in Here’s what went wrong with Virgin Orbit by cnbc_official

But if the demand is so great wouldn’t it have been easier for them to generate enough launches regardless? The article says the problem was they didn’t have enough to create revenue. If demand is so great they wouldn’t be turning down launches.

1

Bewaretheicespiders t1_jegad3u wrote

LauncherOne was 500 kg per launch to LEO, for 12 million, with a 2/3 success rate. Just because there is strong demand doesnt mean you dont have to be competitive.

20

stewake t1_jegashf wrote

I believe the value of Virgin Orbit being a selection for launch services plummeted with repeat failures, and loss of client assets through catastrophic failures. Hard to bring in launch revenue when no one trusts your rocket reliability.

9

TuckerCarlsonsOhface t1_jegcpi5 wrote

I thought the article said there were only two failures, but I can see how that would still be a deterrent. Though, if the damned is so high I would assume some would be willing to make the gamble if the supply simply isn’t there.

1

stewake t1_jegdndh wrote

Correct, but I believe those failures were during their first “Commercial” satellite contracts, which ended in failed orbit and destruction of client property (the satellite).

As someone in product development, this sort of failure at the start of your product launch (no pun intended) can make/break your reputation as a trusted source for that market. People will take their business to the product that is proven, rather than taking a high gamble on something that has a higher probability to fail and destroy your goods.

SpaceX has been through many failures themselves, but they broke through and created a reliable & reusable launch system at a lower cost offering. Other companies, though more expensive, have at least proven reliability and minimized failed contracts.

8

lezboyd t1_jegdly4 wrote

Two factors, reputation and price.

For example, Indian Space agency, ISRO, has a much better track record at launching satellites, and has developed means to send multiple ones in the same payload. Recently, it launched 36 (or 32?) satellites for a UK based StarLink competitor as part of the same payload. It also holds record for launching 102 satellites at the same time. It has launched satellites for countries around the world, including the USA and Israel. And it's costs are competitive.

7