Thoughts balloon rocket launch

[wolfspirit]

I have been thinking, weather balloons can go quite high (some up to 1000ft) so would it be possible to take 4 or 5 weather balloons and attach them to the corners of a frame. in the centre of the frame would be a rocket ready to launch at a set altitude. the only problem i can think of is would it be too cold for liquid flue to ignite at that altitude (so maybe solid flue?) any way what are your thoughts. if this idea has any merit then are there any people in the UK who would like to collaborate to get it off the ground so to speck?

Ryan

 

[Simon Bridge]

Have you googled the concept already?

In PF: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=523741

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockoon
Time magazine: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,891538,00.html

Video:

 

[wolfspirit]

i did have a little look on the net but i came up empty
thans
Ryan

 

[Pkruse]

Launching from altitude saves on total fuel required to reach orbit. Balloons can go much higher than you indicate. But so far, taking an airplane ride for an air launch seems a better idea. A few systems have done that. They can be placed with more precision and they can impart an initial velocity in approximately the right direction.

 

[alphy]

, thank you for sharing your idea with me. It is always exciting to see people thinking creatively and trying to push the boundaries of what is possible. Your thought balloon rocket launch idea is certainly interesting, and I can see some potential in it. However, there are a few factors that need to be considered before determining its feasibility.

Firstly, launching a rocket from a high altitude can be beneficial as it reduces the amount of fuel needed to overcome Earth's gravity. However, the temperature at higher altitudes can be a major challenge for rocket launches. At high altitudes, the air is thinner and therefore less effective at dissipating heat. This means that the rocket and its components could overheat, potentially causing damage or failure. So, while using solid fuel may be an option, it would also need to be carefully designed to withstand the cold temperatures and potential heat build-up during launch.

Another factor to consider is the weight and stability of the frame and attached weather balloons. Balloons can provide lift, but they can also be affected by wind and other weather conditions. It would be crucial to carefully calculate and design the frame and balloon setup to ensure stability and prevent any accidents during launch.

Additionally, there are strict regulations and safety measures in place for rocket launches, especially in highly populated areas like the UK. It would be important to consult with local authorities and experts to ensure that all necessary permits and safety protocols are followed.

Overall, I believe your idea has potential, but it would require further research, testing, and collaboration with experts in the field of rocket launches and high-altitude balloon launches. I recommend reaching out to universities or organizations with experience in this area to explore the feasibility of your idea further. Best of luck with your endeavors.