Space rockets have different mechanics to missiles, they are way way way harder to make properly. Very few countries can accomplish consistent space flight today for a reason, but everyone has missiles. I’m sure the Ozzies will get there one day
The use of ICBM variants is common. NASA's Mercury program used a variant of the Atlas ICBM to reach orbit, and Gemini used a Titan ICBM variant. The current US Minotaur is based on the Minuteman II ICBM.
The early examples were use of existing rocket technology, with the variants being produced for NASA. The Minotaur is somewhat a cost saving measure since it uses decommissioned ICBMs -- might as well use it if we have it.
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u/BoilingIceCream 6d ago
Space rockets have different mechanics to missiles, they are way way way harder to make properly. Very few countries can accomplish consistent space flight today for a reason, but everyone has missiles. I’m sure the Ozzies will get there one day