2 ms·
Yeah, but isn't it also a lot about the tyranny of the rocket equation? The more speed you want the more mass of fuel you need to accelerate so the more fuel yo
by rcxdude 3y ago
Yeah, but isn't it also a lot about the tyranny of the rocket equation? The more speed you want the more mass of fuel you need to accelerate so the more fuel you need, etc. That means if you can start your ascent at even a relatively small fraction of the final speed you need the size of your rocket can shrink substantially.
- kolinko 3y agoSure, but with a system like this you still need to build for reusability of a rocket - if not then even a smaller rocket will be more expensive than what SpaceX is planning to do with Starship. And if you're building a fully reusable rocket system, then neither size nor fuel matter as much as the simplicity and reliability of launch and landing. And here traditional rocket systems will win on Earth. On Mars or Moon, with less gravity and atmosphere these systems will be more feasible though since they can possibly launch into orbit without rocket boosters.