Questions tagged [launch]
Questions regarding the takeoff or the liftoff phase of the flight of a rocket and the set of activities required for preparation of the launch vehicle leading to it.
28
votes
4answers
4k views
Do any launches bypass LEO?
If sending a payload to GEO (geosynchronous orbit) or any other high orbit, you could start off launching to LEO (low Earth orbit), and then use a Hohmann transfer to raise the height of the orbit. I ...
20
votes
3answers
6k views
Is there any advantage in launching spacecraft from a high latitude, or why was Plesetsk built so far north?
For launching satellites or other spacecraft, there is a significant advantage in being close to the equator: angular momentum helps in gaining initial speed and one can launch into any inclination. ...
10
votes
3answers
2k views
How much fuel would one need to launch a 1kg object from 100,000 feet?
Back in the old days of the cold war the US and Russia were trying to develop a Nuclear powered aircraft. Problems with radiation shielding and "safety" held them back.
Let's say that they got this ...
15
votes
3answers
983 views
The Russians recently tested a new launch trajectory that goes to the space station in about six hours. What allowed for the difference?
According to this article, Russia recently tested a new launch trajectory that shaved over 45 hours off their normal flight time.
What allowed for this difference? Doesn't it seem like the shortest ...
1
vote
0answers
82 views
What are the barriers to partial nonrocket spacelaunch? [closed]
What technological and financial barriers prevent proposals for partial nonrocket spacelaunch such as magnetic levitation trains from becoming a reality? These systems, if created, could ...
16
votes
6answers
4k views
Methods for propulsion other than rockets for leaving Earth's atmosphere?
Due to the large amount of energy required, the standard method for leaving the Earth's atmosphere is rocket propulsion. Is there any other methods in development that don't involve rockets? E.g. ...
21
votes
2answers
2k views
At what height does it become international territory / outer space, instead of state-controlled air territory?
According to International Law, to what altitude does the jurisdiction of a state extend? Is there a definite limit mandated either through treaties or court judgements?
After reaching that limit, ...
16
votes
2answers
814 views
What specifically makes launching objects from Earth into space expensive?
I always wondered about this. Is it because the fuel is too costly? Because the equipment will be trashed?
15
votes
2answers
1k views
Is it more efficient to assemble spacecraft in orbit, or assemble on the ground and launch?
My friends and I were trying to figure this out a while ago.
I was thinking that by transporting smaller pieces into space via a lighter re-entry spacecraft, there would be overall less fuel used ...
12
votes
1answer
1k views
Are there international regulations for launching objects into space?
In the United States access to space is restricted by the FCC / FAA, which licenses private, commercial, and government entities for potential launches into space.
Is there any international ...
24
votes
2answers
2k views
What are the possible legal consequences of an unauthorized launch of a satellite?
Consider the situation, where the private company (let's say, registered on some Caribbean country, but owned by the citizen of United States) does the unauthorized launch of satellite or other ...
13
votes
3answers
574 views
Is there any research going on launching into orbit with “space guns”? Why (not)?
Many have said that rocket launches are an outdated and inefficient technology and have predicted that other technologies will take over, yet to date, it's still the only thing we have to launch into ...
8
votes
2answers
327 views
Are there any significant differences in launch failure rates between different agencies/countries?
NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, and others, all have somewhat different cultures and attitudes when it comes to building and launching spacecraft. I don't have a source, but one anecdote I heard from someone ...
20
votes
1answer
627 views
Is there any ongoing research in nuclear pulse propulsion?
Nuclear pulse propulsion seemed to be quite actively researched up until the 1990's, with a few projects that saw some rather promising results (some that could theoretically reach over 4% light speed....
