You can (theoretically) reach “space” with a single impulse from earth’s surface, but you cannot achieve earth orbit that way. To make orbit, you need a circularization burn at apogee to raise your perigee above the atmosphere. Otherwise, its ballistic trajectory will cause your spacecraft to re-enter the atmosphere.
You can (theoretically) reach “space” with a single impulse from earth’s surface, but you cannot achieve earth orbit that way. To make orbit, you need a circularization burn at apogee to raise your perigee above the atmosphere. Otherwise, its ballistic trajectory will cause your spacecraft to re-enter the atmosphere.
Yeah, this is just a first stage replacement. You still need a rocket to get most of the way into orbit.
The first stage counts for the bulk of the fuel and total mass, so this would still be a big deal.
I only understand what you’re talking about because of Kerbal Space Program
I only know it because of Kerbal Space Program. :)