Editing Talk:681: Gravity Wells
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: I'm also confused by this. Anyone have the answer? [[Special:Contributions/162.158.78.78|162.158.78.78]] 17:50, 5 May 2020 (UTC) | : I'm also confused by this. Anyone have the answer? [[Special:Contributions/162.158.78.78|162.158.78.78]] 17:50, 5 May 2020 (UTC) | ||
− | == | + | == How much of the gravity well can be overcome by launching from a high mountain? == |
− | How much of the gravity well can be overcome by launching from a high mountain? | ||
If we constructed a spaceport on a mountaintop that was, say, 14,505 ft (Mt. Whitney, CA), or even 20,310 ft (Denali, Alaska), or slightly less after clearing a flat surface, would it significantly reduce the amount of the gravity well a rocket had to climb, and hence the amount of fuel needed to reach LEO? Would thinner air reduce drag and increase efficiency significantly as well? | If we constructed a spaceport on a mountaintop that was, say, 14,505 ft (Mt. Whitney, CA), or even 20,310 ft (Denali, Alaska), or slightly less after clearing a flat surface, would it significantly reduce the amount of the gravity well a rocket had to climb, and hence the amount of fuel needed to reach LEO? Would thinner air reduce drag and increase efficiency significantly as well? |