4 ms·
I've got the following numbers: 120km and 53km. The former is the altitude at which re-entrying orbital vehicles start burning up. The latter is the current wor
by jojobas 3y ago
I've got the following numbers: 120km and 53km. The former is the altitude at which re-entrying orbital vehicles start burning up. The latter is the current world record for lighter-than air altitude.
Critical bits of Columbia's aluminium airframe melted at about 100km. There's about 250x less air at 100km than at 50km. All in all I'd say this is fanciful.
- bilsbie 3y agoWow thanks. If the upper stage relies on lift though it might be able to reach a safe altitude. The burning up temps wouldn’t be until getting close to orbital speed. Also is it worth considering that this thing would have a super high volume to surface area (by being huge).
- vanattab 3y agoIs the orbital airship ever intended to return to the upper atmosphere or do you just build a new 1-2 mile long ship for each trip? How would it slow down?