Why must some missions utilize ocean splashdowns rather than returning to a land landing zone like Florida?
Answer
The required energy for high inclination or geostationary transfer orbits leaves insufficient fuel for a return trip.
Missions that demand high energy outputs, such as reaching high inclination or geostationary transfer orbits, consume more propellant, leaving the booster without the necessary fuel reserve to perform the complex maneuvers required for a return burn to a land landing site.
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