As I understand it the initial motion of the rocket launch is the most energy intensive. Why is there not some propulsion method (electromagnetic or old skool motors) that assist with pushing the spacecraft up. This would also reduce the fuel load?
Basically, why do we not slingshot the craft up and let the onboard fuel take it the rest of the way once it’s got some momentum, even if it’s the first 100 meters?
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Getting into orbit requires 3000 G.kms. You’re talking about 100 metres; that’s a tenth of a km, so a tower that big could throw an object to orbital velocity, no rocket required, using an acceleration of 30 000 Gs. Notice how this is a stupidly big number that will destroy just about any payload; it’s like firing a bullet from a gun.
OK, you say, I only wanted the tower to help a little. But probably the largest practical boost the tower could give would be around 3 Gs. Anything bigger than that is going to require stupidly strong attachment points and reinforcement of the rocket, making it heavier. But 3 Gs only helps out by one part in 10 000 (see above). It’s not even close to being worthwhile.
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