Why Airplanes and Balloons Can't Replace Rockets in Space Travel
The age-old question of whether we can use airplanes or balloons instead of rockets for space travel is a fascinating one. While the concept sounds romantic and cost-effective, the current reality paints a different picture. The main issue? Cost and practicality.
Why Rockets Are the Most Cost-Effective Option
Currently, the lowest cost for a seat on a rocket that actually takes you somewhere, rather than just straight up and down, is an astronomical US$67 million. This cost is for a brief visit to the International Space Station or a few days in microgravity circling the Earth. While these options are expensive, they represent the affordable frontier of space travel for the time being. However, technology is always evolving. For example, the current cost of a mobile phone in 1983 was far greater than today, and the same can be said for space technology.
Starship: The Future of Space Travel
The second stage of SpaceX's Starship, although designed as an orbital vehicle, can take off from anywhere on Earth using a small stand to prevent it from melting the pavement as it launches with full thrust. It can then land on any airport tarmac in the world within one hour. Designed to be as versatile as a jet airplane, Starship only needs refueling, which takes about half an hour, to launch again. The ideal scenario would include an orbital launch and integration tower, similar to the one in operation at Boca Chica and the ones under construction.
This modular design means that once perfected and in mass production, the estimated cost for a flight to anywhere on Earth in an hour would drop to less than US$2 million. The interior volume of Starship is about the same as a jumbo jet, suggesting that it could be fitted out with 400 passenger seats and room for 50 tons of cargo. This means that the cost per seat would be approximately $5,000, which is a significant reduction in cost.
Applications and Demand
Many people spend thousands of dollars for a seven-hour first-class flight from New York to London. The demand for a one-hour flight that delivers you to Paris, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Rio, Rome, or New Delhi could be enormous, especially for time-conscious business people.
The U.S. Department of Defense is seriously considering this idea. The tactical value of being able to deliver four Abrams tanks or four 155mm M777 Howitzers, complete with their crews and supplies, to any hot spot on Earth in an hour cannot be overstated.
Moreover, private companies like Qatar Airways might also be exploring this technology as the next step in their service. Imagine the future where they surpass the Airbus 380 and the Boeing 777 by offering super-fast, super-friendly transport to the stars.
Conclusion
While airplanes and balloons might seem like logical alternatives to rockets, the current state of technology and the practical limitations of such alternatives make rockets the most viable option for the foreseeable future. However, advancements in technology could dramatically change the equation in the coming years. As technology continues to evolve, we may see an increased use of vehicles like Starship, revolutionizing not only space travel but also global transportation.