The journey of technological advancement is often intertwined with setbacks and failures. For every aircraft that soars triumphantly, countless designs remain confined to the drawing board, never progressing beyond the conceptual stage. Recently, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has officially announced the cancellation of its $98 million Free Lifter project, a move that starkly illustrates the inherent complexities and hurdles in the relentless pursuit of innovation.