Vertical Thrust

Have you got any fantasies/theories on how spacecraft should be launched into space?

I figure as soon as spacecraft becomes weightless thrust and fuel aren't really such a big problem anymore.

A massive space elevator

en.wikipedia.org...

We wouldn't need fuel If we brought stuff down from space as a counter weight.

reply to post by novuslibertas

I sure have one idea I'd like to see pursued. You'd think it was just laughable but for the source.

Space Elevator

It's apparently been and being seriously considered. That would simplify such a vast number of things.

err... Yeah, what he said. lol.. sorry for the double. I was typing while you posted.

reply to post by Wrabbit2000


Great minds eh

reply to post by novuslibertas


Giant sling shot/ reverse bungee? Once the 'flung' vehicle has stabilised (ie. rotation/wobble etc.) A solid fuel rocket could kick in. Surely the most fuel consumption is used getting the vehicle off the ground? Re-usable and cost-saving. BOOM!

Laser. You have a curved underside of the vehicle, and you fire laser bursts at it. It causes an explosion of air under the vehicle, pushing it upwards. Doesn't require fuel, just a ground based laser.

Originally posted by Zaphod58
Laser. You have a curved underside of the vehicle, and you fire laser bursts at it. It causes an explosion of air under the vehicle, pushing it upwards. Doesn't require fuel, just a ground based laser.

And a huge amount of energy to power the laser...?

reply to post by fiftyfifty


Depends on the size of the vehicle. If you're only looking to launch small satellites, not really. If you're talking a vehicle to get to mars, yes. It's actually worked well in the small scale with just a fairly tiny laser.

reply to post by Zaphod58


Sounds like a plausible theory and laser tech is rapidly improving. I still think I'd prefer to be catapulted into space

If you combine a couple of the posts you get laser powered space elevators. There have been competitions to build prototypes that do actually work. See here for example. The theory behind building a full scale machine is feasible I believe.

reply to post by novuslibertas

I figure as soon a spacecraft reached zero gravity thrust and fuel aren't really such a big problem anymore.

Not to pick knits but there is no such thing as ZERO gravity.
Something is always pulling on you.
But there is weightless. Big difference.

I guess I'm feeling antagonistic today.

Originally posted by boymonkey74
A massive space elevator

en.wikipedia.org...

We wouldn't need fuel If we brought stuff down from space as a counter weight.

edit on 9-1-2013 by boymonkey74 because: (no reason given)

Originally posted by Wrabbit2000
reply to post by novuslibertas

 

I sure have one idea I'd like to see pursued. You'd think it was just laughable but for the source.

Space Elevator

It's apparently been and being seriously considered. That would simplify such a vast number of things.

err... Yeah, what he said. lol.. sorry for the double. I was typing while you posted.

edit on 9-1-2013 by Wrabbit2000 because: (no reason given)

I have seen this concept many times before. I'm just wondering if it would be able to haul up massive metalish constructions for example used in a space shipyard?

Originally posted by samkent
reply to post by novuslibertas

 

I figure as soon a spacecraft reached zero gravity thrust and fuel aren't really such a big problem anymore.

Not to pick knits but there is no such thing as ZERO gravity.
Something is always pulling on you.
But there is weightless. Big difference.

I guess I'm feeling antagonistic today.

Thanks for the correction. I have a lot of fantasies/theories and conceptions about space but I really don't know much about the theoretical stuff.

Isn't there a more "conventional" way. Being able to start off Earth with the vehicle using it's own capabilities?
Similar to our current rocket's system.

Laser propulsion in action.

I think wed be better off using a massive rail gun like the navys new toy.....
Just electrical energy to power it.....
Its amazing what the device can throw already....
A really massive one could easily launch into orbit all the hardware we need up there.....
If they could make modules and shoot them up there, we could build a space factory/lab complex....
We wont get far in space till we can manufacture things in zero G

Now that is a fascinating thing to actually see functioning. Even in small viability test form. Imagine, if that were used on an actual aircraft in some variation, it might produce contrails some would describe as a string of pearls, huh?

Nice catch on that laser propulsion!