SpaceX still looks better than its direct competition, Orbital ATK:
Antares CRS-3 turbopump failure, vehicle FTS was activated and launch vehicle impacted very close to the launch pad. $200 million vehicle lost, approximately $30 million in damage to launch facility.
Loss of the $424 million Glory satellite due to payload fairing separation failure.
*Loss of the $273 million Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite due to payload fairing separation failure.
And I don't think the comparison between ULA and SpaceX is necessarily a fair one. ULA is the beneficiary of inheriting solid engineering teams and practices from very mature programs run by large defense corporations. SpaceX is comparatively very young (I feel this makes their overall record even more impressive).
> I don't think the comparison between ULA and SpaceX is necessarily a fair one. ULA is the beneficiary of inheriting solid engineering teams and practices from very mature programs run by large defense corporations. SpaceX is comparatively very young ...
Another commenter said something similar. If I am awarding merit badges, then I agree it's unfair. Otherwise, if I'm looking for someone to launch my satellite, the comparison is perfectly fair (not that 'fair' has anything to do with it).
> if I'm looking for someone to launch my satellite
If you're looking for someone to launch a satellite, then you have good ideas about how much you have to spend, your willingness to accept risk, and the services you desire. Depending on how you feel about these and other factors, your decision might not be as straightforward as you are portraying here.
You're focusing on launching a satellite today. Those commenters are looking at satellite launches across the next decade, as ULA reliability doesn't change and SpaceX reliability grows (in theory).
Antares CRS-3 turbopump failure, vehicle FTS was activated and launch vehicle impacted very close to the launch pad. $200 million vehicle lost, approximately $30 million in damage to launch facility.
Loss of the $424 million Glory satellite due to payload fairing separation failure.
*Loss of the $273 million Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite due to payload fairing separation failure.
And I don't think the comparison between ULA and SpaceX is necessarily a fair one. ULA is the beneficiary of inheriting solid engineering teams and practices from very mature programs run by large defense corporations. SpaceX is comparatively very young (I feel this makes their overall record even more impressive).