How does SpaceX's vertical command over the entire process benefit its engineering decisions?
Answer
It drives engineering decisions toward lower recurring costs
Because SpaceX integrates nearly the entire workflow—from manufacturing components to providing launch services and planning future capabilities like in-orbit refueling—it maintains vertical command over the process. This total control allows engineering decisions to be directly influenced by the long-term business case, particularly when supporting high-volume commercial ventures like Starlink. Every dollar saved per launch is magnified when constructing thousands of units, thus strongly driving the engineering focus toward achieving the lowest possible recurring costs across the entire operational chain.
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