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So could you use a balloon to get to 100,000 feet and then use a solar powered ionic lifter to get to space? There are more ways to get to space than using roc

• hackeraccount 3y ago
  My understanding is that the Earth's gravity well extends much further then is commonly understood. The ISS at 1.3 million feet high gets 89% of Earth's gravity. Stuff floats on the ISS because it's in free fall as a consequence of being in orbit around the Earth. Orbit is a function of speed i.e. the quick description of orbit is that you're moving so fast you miss the ground. Starting at a higher spot doesn't get you much (OK,you get some because of a thinner atmosphere but it's not worth the price of the candle) in terms of speed. You better off putting the effort towards finding a spot close to the equator (which gives you speed from the Earth's rotation). Most important thing to keep in mind that I know very little of this beyond beyond what I've picked up from so youtube video's and a bit Kerbal Space Program so I would take what I've said with a grain of salt.