Originally posted by K^2
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Around a point called Max Q, where the aerodynamic forces are at their maximum, the main engines are temporarily throttled back to avoid overspeeding and hence overstressing the Shuttle, particularly in vulnerable areas such as the wings. At this point, a phenomenon known as the Prandtl-Glauert singularity occurs, where condensation clouds form during the vehicle's transition to supersonic speed.
2. With a 10 mile head start, nearly all of the thrust is horizonal...which means less wasted vertical thust required for a rocket to come off a launch pad.
3. If two simultaneous launches occur(one from ground, one from in air launch 10 miles up) the higher one is going to get their orbital destination first because they have a head start. Getting their first means a shorter flight time...which equals less fuel expended.
4. Extra fuel=extra weight...but so does a larger ground based craft. The extra structure equals extra weight, and with a reuseable craft that weight goes with you all the way.
5. Consider how much fuel the shuttle uses to go from 0mph to 50mph. That fuel won't be needed during an air launch because the carrier can attain that speed for the ascent craft, thus saving precious pounds of fuel. So much fuel is wasted on big rockets in the initial seconds...air launch is highly superior.
6. Safety...you don't have to worry about the rocket tipping over and blowing up. In air launch, if something goes wrong you have time to eject or recover the craft because you're miles above the ground.
Originally posted by Krazeh
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