Piggy backing off of this- the real net benefit is unblocking an SSTO design (Single Stage to Orbit). Instead of having a lift stage and an orbital stage, aer

Piggy backing off of this- the real net benefit is unblocking an SSTO design (Single Stage to Orbit). Instead of having a lift stage and an orbital stage, aerospikes can theoretically do both, meaning one cohesive vehicle from launch through orbit. The weight savings and reusability factors are huge if SSTO setups become feasible.