05-06-2003, 02:23 AM
You launch system analogy is even better than what you mentioned.
The US system(NASA) is not driven by its own results but rather congressional interests. That has resulted in it devoping popular systems in response to forces other than thier effectiveness(the Russians scrapped a shuttle system early on because it was to exspensive to make it reasonably safe or reliable).
The Russian system starved for cash has been forced to effiecient to stay alive.
Also notable the other big launch program - USAF - is very effective.
The US system(NASA) is not driven by its own results but rather congressional interests. That has resulted in it devoping popular systems in response to forces other than thier effectiveness(the Russians scrapped a shuttle system early on because it was to exspensive to make it reasonably safe or reliable).
The Russian system starved for cash has been forced to effiecient to stay alive.
Also notable the other big launch program - USAF - is very effective.