@tlalexander @surveyor3 what bothers me is the impact on the environment these explosion have.

I'd prefer the way the NASA do, burning more money and less nature.

@software_libero_e_dintorni @surveyor3 It's an interesting question. Rocketry in general is not great to the environment. But it must be noted that the NASA approach involves building a new $2B rocket every time and then throwing it in the ocean after the first use. There is a LOT of carbon emissions in the production of aluminum and titanium, and that is wasted every single time NASA launches their vehicle. Plus its not good to drop our trash in the ocean like that.

The SpaceX rocket is meant to be reusable, so it ends up being a better use of resources in the long run. A few test articles end up in the sea, and then that stops. And of course, whether the rocket explodes or makes it to orbit, the propellant is burned either way.