But the energy needed is not an indicator of what is difficult or dangerous. Leaving the atmosphere intact is the most difficult part of launching a rocket going by failure rate. Of those that reach space, those that still fail often took damage from the launch.
Once you're in space, force over distance until your fuel runs out.
Re:Space Elevator
by jojobas on Monday October 20, 2025 @08:54PM
(#45651271)
Failures rate is even less a suitable indicator. Going up 100km is achievable by a simple single stage solid fuel rocket. Going to orbit requires way way more complexity, including a giant first stage that can fail in atmosphere.
Once you're in space, force over distance until your fuel runs out.