[lutorm]

I agree. I'm just saying it's easier to make an expendable than a reusable one, because you don't have to allocate mass to return systems.

[rtkwe]

What I was trying to say is that there are other reasons to not build a single stage to orbit expendable rocket, mostly cost and payload capacity. I agree it'd be easier than a reusable version but if you're not returning the stage it makes way more sense to use the 2+ stage designs that are common today. Being able to shed the weight of the atmospheric stage and switch to a vacuum optimized engine is a big benefit.

[avmich]

Interesting that modern alt-space community often employs the concept "test a little, fly a little", and consider making reuseable systems easier.