3 ms·

Because unless you reach escape velocity, you still need to adjust your trajectory to insert into orbit, or else you're just going to crash back on the surface.

Because unless you reach escape velocity, you still need to adjust your trajectory to insert into orbit, or else you're just going to crash back on the surface. If you use a rocket that's fine you just point in a different direction and burn, but if you're trying to launch, say, a few trillion tons of stuff, you need something a tad more efficient

jhgb 5y ago
It's not like you need no maneuvering when you use a space elevator. At some point you have to detach from it. You'll always need course corrections afterwards.
- Valgrim 5y ago
  Why? Once you're off the hook, that's it, you've trebucheted in orbit.