

2·
2 months agoBecause the rocket equation is brutal.
A rocket is almost entirely fuel some structure and a minuscule amount of payload. If you want to save fuel for for relanding you need to take less payload or accept a lower orbit.
If we look at Falcon 9, the payload to geostationary transfer orbit^* goes from 8,300 kg when expended, to 5,500 kg when landing on a barge or 3,500 kg when landing on the launch site.
* meaning the payload needs an additional stage to enter geostationary orbit
Not when the critical infrastructure is the infrastructure for storing and moving those materials.
Also people tend to settle where trade happens and work is available.