Best Rocket Discussion

[Air]

The Saturn V is objectively the superior rocket because it put people on the moon.

Change my mind.

 

[TROPtastic]

The Space Shuttle is objectively superior because it was a freaking plane strapped to the side of a rocket. It is so superior that it (or something it inspired) is used in basically every piece of science fiction media that wants something cooler than a basic rocket while still being somewhat realistic.

 

[Joe]

As much as I love the Saturn my vote's got to go to the Shuttle. The SSMEs were leagues beyond the F1, enabling the working volume of the thing when the lab module was in the payload bay to be just immense, like its own mini space station.

 

[Air]

The Space Shuttle is objectively superior because it was a freaking plane strapped to the side of a rocket. It is so superior that it (or something it inspired) is used in basically every piece of science fiction media that wants something cooler than a basic rocket while still being somewhat realistic.

View attachment 48

The Space Shuttle is good answer, but has it ever left the Exosphere?

 

[moeggz]

Neutron is objectively the best rocket because it looks like a giant sand worm.

 

[SToRME]

Dean Hall is the best Rocket.

Runner up for me is the Atlas V/Centaur because it's just so dang reliable (103.5 successful missions out of 104) and it looks quite nice. It has also launched so many historic payloads, such as LRO, MRO, Curiosity, Perseverance, New Horizons, Lucy, Juno, OSIRIS-Rex, and the very handsome crew capsule which shall not be named but can be admired to your left. <--

 

[Sumessefui]

103.5 successful missions

How do you have half a successful mission?

 

[SToRME]

How do you have half a successful mission?

Wikipedia lists the launch of two NRO satellites on Jun 15, 2007 as a partial success. The upper stage cut off 4 seconds early, causing the payload to be deployed at a lower orbit than intended. I think ULA counts it as a failure but the customer didn't care and counted it as a success.

 

[Sumessefui]

Wikipedia lists the launch of two NRO satellites on Jun 15, 2007 as a partial success. The upper stage cut off 4 seconds early, causing the payload to be deployed at a lower orbit than intended. I think ULA counts it as a failure but the customer didn't care and counted it as a success.

Ah. That makes sense.

 

[Brimfyr]

Well, the Saturn V is the undisputable correct answer. But I also like the Delta IV Heavy and the Falcon 9 gets points for being the only reusable booster after over a decade.

 

[Sumessefui]

If anyone invents a multimode nuclear engine, any rocket with it will instantly get my vote. Or any type of nuclear engine TBH.

 

[dagasi]

The Space Shuttle is objectively superior because it was a freaking plane strapped to the side of a rocket. It is so superior that it (or something it inspired) is used in basically every piece of science fiction media that wants something cooler than a basic rocket while still being somewhat realistic.

View attachment 48

i agree strap a plane on a rocket and it is my new favorite rocket

 

[Kimera Industries]

The Saturn V is my all-time favorite (source: I have the Lego set in my room), but the moment another rocket sends people to land on the surface, that one will be my new favorite. The Saturn V will still hold a special place in my heart, though. Without it I would never have learned how cool space exploration is.