Quote:
Originally Posted by Olefin
You don't really need massive quantities of resources to launch a rocket - the question is what kind of rocket and what payloads is it carrying
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To launch a rocket? no.
To build the rocket parts - or even assemble a rocket from spare parts from different parts across the US? I have my doubts.
To assemble a satellite in post-1997 US? To calculate a useful orbit, launch (easy) and track that it hit orbit, and get useful data downloads or communication links (as payment for the effort)? I have graver doubts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Olefin
keep in mind that the timeline strongly suggests that the US didn't launch a bunch of their rockets that were in silos and the like -
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Yes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Olefin
those rockets, at least those still operational,
would be perfect to use to get a communications or weather satellite into orbit
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Not really. These are suborbital. They could probably be repurposed to get a smaller package (satellite) into a stable LEO. To launch into a useful GSO (GeoSynchronous Orbit) where the satellite would stay overhead and provide useful weather comverage over a large chunk of earth or a while? No. And therefore probably not worth the effort. LEO commo satellites are only useful in a constellation; teh lower the orbit, the more needed for coverage.
Uncle Ted