Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

SpaceX has a median turnaround time between landing and re-launch of about 8 weeks, with some as low as 3 weeks. That includes time for returning the landing platform to port, unloading, payload integration of the new payload, etc, so refurbishment is some fraction of that.

There's no way they're stripping the whole thing down and replacing 30% of parts in that short of a timeframe. Especially given they do it in Florida, and don't bring them back to the factory. So it's hard to say for sure, but the time can give us some sense of what they must be doing.



Right, those were two extreme ends of a spectrum I presented, both of which are obviously not true. What I don't know is where on the spectrum their savings are.


It’s hard to compare because the rocket is designed to be reusable, but as someone that is both a fan of launch of vehicles and in/adjacent to the industry: 30-85%, and I’d bet it’s the high end. Falcon 9 is a really, really big deal in launch capability and affordability.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: