Launching spacecraft with ramps?

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Using a long, steep ramp to launch rockets could theoretically reduce fuel consumption, but the practicality is questionable. The ramp would need to be extremely steep, making vertical takeoff more efficient. Accelerating a rocket on a ramp for 10-20 seconds could allow for a smaller, cheaper rocket or increased payload capacity. However, this approach introduces significant complexity and requires a suitable geographic location, such as a large mountain. Overall, while the concept has potential, it is unlikely to be worthwhile compared to traditional vertical launches.
yrjosmiel73
Sure, it sounds silly, because it is. But would it work? Say, would the rockets use less fuel?

And yes, I'm horrible at starting threads.
 
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If we had a long enough, strong enough ramp, then maybe. However, the ramp would have to be so steep that it'd hardly be worth using when it's possible for a rocket to take off vertically.
So to answer your question, it could be possible, but it would not be worthwhile.
 
There are some ideas. Even a rocket sled could help, if you can refuel and reuse the sled easily. First stages burn fuel in the range of tons/second, if you can accelerate the rocket on a ramp for 10-20 seconds the rocket can get much smaller and cheaper or carry more payload at the same size.
The downside is the increased complexity, and you need some large mountain nearby.
 
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Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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