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Maxwell
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>>389148 The shuttle is not a space plane or single stage system. Its a glide return vehicle mounted on a big ass rocket. Functionally, the shuttle is essentially a really big reusable capsule. Problem is its so non specialized, we waste cargo capacity on alot of machinery that are not mission specific. So simple trips to the space station to offload a crew are just as expensive as hubble missions... not good.
The new rocket is a smaller reusable capsule that is cheaper to maintain and more easily specialized. Its cargo carrying sibling has more capacity and, being unmanned, is a smarter way to loft heavy machinery.
Until someone invents a new way to reach space, capsules are the best system we have.
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