Yeah I thought it was an odd word choice as well, but due to the additional context provided that was the only way to interpret it. To me when I hear the word it means to repeat a process or status that never changes or ends. "It's fuel must be perpetually replaced every X years". However based on the definition which may not exactly reflect it's modern usage it does make sense in that situation, even if it seems a little strange.
Your good-faith interpretations were correct. I should have said "permanently" or perhaps even further clarifying it by saying they cannot be "ready to launch" at all times.
Permanently fueled? Perpetual makes me think of something that is constantly being fueled as it is depleted.
Yeah I thought it was an odd word choice as well, but due to the additional context provided that was the only way to interpret it. To me when I hear the word it means to repeat a process or status that never changes or ends. "It's fuel must be perpetually replaced every X years". However based on the definition which may not exactly reflect it's modern usage it does make sense in that situation, even if it seems a little strange.
Your good-faith interpretations were correct. I should have said "permanently" or perhaps even further clarifying it by saying they cannot be "ready to launch" at all times.