Re:Space Elevators Are Possible
by bduerst on Wednesday February 26, 2014 @01:47AM
(#7303398)
If launching from vacuum directly into atmosphere, sure.
I think that it poses an interesting engineering problem, not unlike the space elevator. If given enough velocity, a projectile with retractable wings could be launched into an atmospheric gradient and generate lift after leaving the accelerator.
Whether or not we have materials used on the craft could survive the acceleration to escape velocity is the big question. It would take some serious testing.
I think that it poses an interesting engineering problem, not unlike the space elevator. If given enough velocity, a projectile with retractable wings could be launched into an atmospheric gradient and generate lift after leaving the accelerator.
Whether or not we have materials used on the craft could survive the acceleration to escape velocity is the big question. It would take some serious testing.