Why are they using private rockets to get into space now?
Why are they using private rockets to get into space now?
user
It’s true that commercial companies can now afford to launch satellites into space using their own rockets.  They’re doing this because:
assistant
Does Russia still have cheaper rocket launches?
user
Yes, they do have a cheaper launch system called the Angara rocket.  But these rockets do not have the capability of launching heavy, complex satellites.
assistant
That makes sense.
user
There is some confusion because there are commercial companies that use old Russian rockets, but it is unclear if these will be able to launch heavier satellites in the near future.  There is also some question around this because it’s unclear what the quality of the services will be with these companies.
assistant
You wouldn't want all of that expensive payload to go up in smoke.
user