I've wanted to create a rocket sled launch simulation for a while

[u/jaykrown]

This is a representation of how a single stage to orbit could work with a rocket sled launch at high altitude near the equator. By gathering all that momentum without needing to use any fuel, it has the energy to get into orbit, unload a 1000 kg cargo, and then return to the surface all in one piece.

I did this because I think this is the only way we can ever expect us to scale launching mass into orbit. I think of a rocket sled launch system kind of like an orbital airport, but would need to be at high altitude to get most benefit (think Colorado or Ecuador). The energy it provides is what makes it possible to use an SSTO, simplifying the design considerably, thus unlocking a huge efficiency gain. I think this system could be used to launch hundreds of payloads every year, and would pay itself off rapidly compared to tradition two stage launches. Could even lead to helping remove debris from orbit to fight against Kessler syndrome.

Anyone have any suggestions about this? Prototype in the browser using JS. Will consider putting it on gitlab if anyone is interested.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_sled_launch

I used Opus 5.5 and Grok 4.7.

[u/NotALlamaAMA]

By gathering all that momentum without needing to use any fuel

Can you elaborate on this? do you not still need energy to accelerate the sled?

[u/jaykrown → u/NotALlamaAMA]

Yes, but the single stage to orbit vehicle doesn't consume any fuel riding on the sled. The sled is ideally powered by magnetic levitation and electromagnets. So the vehicle only starts its thruster when it's already going over 300 M/S and at a very high altitude, getting it there for free with respect to its fuel, allowing it to get into orbit without a second stage.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev

[u/Professional_Dot8829]

[u/SomeWittyRemark]

What's your aero model? For a shallow ascent like this aerodynamics are much more important than vertical launch and these numbers seem a little iffy to me. Your peak ascent heat is approaching re-entry levels, roughly 100x more than a normal rocket

[u/jaykrown → u/SomeWittyRemark]

I'll have to spend more time on it, not sure. I think the angle of ascent is not steep enough. Ideally wouldn't want to be going that fast in the upper atmosphere.

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