But the next best thing is a 2-stage solution, and the experience with #Falcon (and also the #SpaceShuttle orbiter and also the development work from the #DeltaClipper / DC-X program) shows that if you could make that work, you might be able to reuse both pieces.

Early Space Shuttle designs also called for a liquid-fueled "fly-back booster". That design was abandoned for budget reasons. Leading to the fateful decision to use solid rocket boosters.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_design_process

[...]