3 ms·
Tsiolkovsky is very clear about the propellant mass fraction needed for single stage to orbit, and it is unachievable with current materials, i.e. you can't bui
by wolf550e 9y ago
Tsiolkovsky is very clear about the propellant mass fraction needed for single stage to orbit, and it is unachievable with current materials, i.e. you can't build a useful SSTO using Al-Li tanks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-stage-to-orbit#Design_challenges_inherent_in_SSTO https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-stage-to-orbit#Design_c...
- marvin 9y agoSSTO with a significant payload then, presumably.
- xorxornop 9y agoYup. Even carbon composites don't really work out (minimal payload) until the rocket is very large (see: ITS)
- Symmetry 9y agoThe first stage has a fuel mass fraction of 95.5%. Propellant densification and high thrust to weight ratio engines buy you lot. That should be enough to make orbit.