Spectacular launch (and landing!) for New Glenn!
But here's what I don't get about this launch; what is the advantage of going into a loitering orbit for a year versus just waiting until the planets are in the traditional launch alignment?
Is it cheaper than waiting? I don't really see how.
Is it just a matter of the...unsettled...nature of things at NASA these days? Like maybe the mission gets cancelled if they wait?
It sounds like the satellites will just be hanging around waiting, not doing anything mission-related for the next year.
It's absolutely an innovative solution, but I'm wondering if there's any actual benefit.
Seems like the orbiters arrive at Mars about the same time either way.
What am I missing?
