[bergenty]

I wouldn’t underestimate the Chinese. They have a much larger tolerance for loss of human life so they may progress faster.

[JumpCrisscross]

> have a much larger tolerance for loss of human life so they may progress faster

Launch systems work virtually autonomously. Tolerance to loss of life isn't as meaningful as it was in the Apollo era.

[duxup]

I suspect political pressure would be to at least match competing programs current safety record. I don’t think they can hide failures / would want anyone to see that happen.

[bagels]

Unfortunately the facts don't back up this speculation.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/09/another-chinese-rock...

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jan/19/health-f...

[duxup]

I don’t think clean up issues are the kind of risk taking that advances anything.

[bagels]

I agree. The fact that they are willing to launch hydrazine rockets over villages says the don't care about safety. That was the point I was making.