What initial success by SpaceX demonstrated a significant step in lowering the cost of reaching orbit?
Answer
Demonstrating the reusability of the Falcon 9’s first stage
A critical milestone that proved the economic viability of reducing access costs was the initial demonstration of reusability concerning the Falcon 9 rocket. Specifically, showing that the first stage could successfully return and land meant that a major, costly component of the launch system did not need to be discarded after every flight. This early success significantly lowered the expense associated with reaching Earth orbit. This achievement served as the necessary precursor, demonstrating the core principle that reusability could eventually be scaled up—as intended with Starship—to achieve the cost destruction required for large-scale colonization efforts.
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