Why Planes Aren't Used for Launching Rockets into Space
When considering the costs associated with space travel, it's clear why planes are not currently used for launching rockets into space. The current lowest cost for a seat on a rocket that can take you to the International Space Station, a true orbital flight, is a stunning $67 million. This cost is significantly higher than a few days in microgravity or even the brief tourist visit to the International Space Station. However, technology is constantly evolving, and new advancements like the Starship from SpaceX challenge the status quo.
The Role of Technology in Space Launch
As we've seen with the evolution of technology, significant progress can be made in just a few decades. For example, the price of a mobile phone has drastically decreased since the 1980s. Similarly, SpaceX's Starship is redefining the possibilities for space travel. While the second stage of Starship is designed to function as an orbiter, it can take off from anywhere on Earth using a small stand to prevent melting the pavement. It can then land on any airport tarmac around the world within an hour. This is a remarkable feat, considering that airport tarmacs are designed to support the immense pressures of large commercial aircraft like jetliners.
The Future of Space Launch
Additionally, Starship requires a launch pad equipped with a hectare of support equipment, but with mass production and further technological advancements, the cost of an orbital launch could be drastically reduced. Estimates suggest that once perfected and in mass production, at least three years, the cost of such a flight could drop to less than $2 million. To put this in perspective, the interior volume of Starship is roughly the same as a jumbo jet, making it capable of transporting 400 passenger seats and up to 50 tons of cargo.
Why does this matter? Because it opens up new possibilities for space tourism and space-based business ventures. If fitted with 400 passenger seats, Starship could offer a one-hour flight to anywhere on Earth for $5,000. This is a significant reduction from the cost of a first-class flight from New York to London, which often exceeds $6,000. The potential demand for such a service is quite high, especially among time-sensitive businesspeople.
The Strategic Value of Starship
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is seriously considering the strategic advantages of Starship. The ability to deliver four Abrams tanks or four 155mm M777 Howitzers complete with their crews and supplies to any hotspot on Earth within an hour would provide unprecedented tactical value. This could be a game-changer in military operations and global security.
Furthermore, it's not far-fetched to imagine that Qatar Airways is also looking at Starship as the next step in their expansion. With their current focus on luxury travel offerings, such as the Airbus 380 and Boeing 777, it's logical to assume that they are exploring new frontiers in the aviation industry.
As technology continues to evolve, the role of space travel in our daily lives is likely to become more significant. Whether it's through space tourism or strategic military deployments, the transformative potential of advancements like Starship cannot be overstated. The future of space launch is undoubtedly buzzing with exciting possibilities.