http://jpaerospace.com/blog/?p=35 Our Journey to Space Sun, 11 Dec 2022 19:44:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://jpaerospace.com/blog/?p=35#comment-52224 Chester Chanin Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:15:52 +0000 http://jpaerospace.com/blog/2007/12/04/more-balloon-launched-rockets/#comment-52224 I don't know why NASA doesn't use lighter than air systems for their spacecraft. A large helium balloon could lift a delivery system some 70-80,000 ft., saving precious fuel. A scram-jet engine could then ignite. The helium could be pumped back into a tank and parachuted to a landing like the empty shuttle solid rocket boosters. Once the vehicle reached some 100-120,000 feet, the scram-jet assembly could drop off, leaving a relatively light rocket to deliver the spacecraft. I don’t know why NASA doesn’t use lighter than air systems for their spacecraft. A large helium balloon could lift a delivery system some 70-80,000 ft., saving precious fuel. A scram-jet engine could then ignite. The helium could be pumped back into a tank and parachuted to a landing like the empty shuttle solid rocket boosters. Once the vehicle reached some 100-120,000 feet, the scram-jet assembly could drop off, leaving a relatively light rocket to deliver the spacecraft.

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