Bobcat00 If you can’t get something right in 10 tries you’re probably doing it wrong.
Well, SpaceX’s approach to spacecraft development differs from the conventional.
If at first they don’t succeed, try, try, try. try, try, …. try again! 😉
SpaceX Starship: Iterative Design Methodology
New Space Economy - October 28, 2023
https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2023/10/28/spacex-starship-iterative-design-methodology/
Iterative Design: A Different Approach
…. SpaceX’s approach to Starship development diverges from this traditional pathway. Instead of extensive planning and design work upfront, SpaceX opts for a more dynamic, iterative design methodology. This involves building a prototype quickly, testing it, analyzing the results, and using the learned data to improve subsequent designs. The cycle of build-test-analyze-improve is repeated numerous times, allowing for accelerated development and real-world testing of design hypotheses.
Advantages of Iterative Design
There are several benefits to the iterative design methodology employed by SpaceX:
Rapid Prototyping: By moving quickly from design to testing, SpaceX can identify potential design flaws or areas for improvement much earlier in the development process.
Cost-Efficiency: Traditional aerospace design involves large teams and extended timelines. The iterative approach, by contrast, is often more cost-effective because it allows for quicker identification and resolution of issues, thereby reducing the overall man-hours needed for the project.
Flexibility: The iterative process is adaptable. If a test reveals a new avenue for improvement or shows that a particular feature is unnecessary, changes can be made relatively quickly.
Real-world Data: Simulations and theoretical models are important but can’t capture all the variables and uncertainties of real-world conditions. The iterative methodology provides an opportunity to gather real-world data, which is invaluable for refining the design. …..