Rocket Launch from Mt. Everest Equator: Benefits & Efficiency

In summary, if you want to launch a payload from Mt. Everest, it would be more efficient to do so from a higher altitude. Additionally, the "sling-shot effect" could help to increase the payload capacity.
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Lets say Mt. Everest was located on the equator. How much more efficient would it be to launch a rocket from the top of this mountain as compared to a sea-level Florida launch? There would be much less atmosperic drag since you would be starting out 5-miles high. You would be slightly closer to space. The "sling-shot effect" would aid the launch. The rocket motor nozzle could be slightly wider (at higher altitude, wider is better). I am curious to know how much this would help (slightly heavier payload). Would it be 5% more efficient?
 
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The change in efficiency relies entirely on how high you are trying to go. For example, setting the end point at 10mi high is a lot different from saying you want the rocket to go 20mi high. You absolutely must know the height you are trying to get.

From there you also need to know the relation between air thickness and height, as well as the relation between drag and air thickness. Integrate one into the other to figure out how much drag happens between the starting point and the max height you are trying to get.

How high do you want the rocket to go?
 
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Sorry, I should have specified that. Full size rocket (Shuttle, Ariane, etc) to low Earth orbit.
 
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The main advantage is getting through the thick lower air + weather.
The Pegasus project launches satelites on boosters from under the wing of a converted airliner at around 40,000ft.
 
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mgb_phys said:
The main advantage is getting through the thick lower air + weather. The Pegasus project launches satelites on boosters from under the wing of a converted airliner at around 40,000ft.
I assume the airliner is flying east which gives an additional boost to acheiving escape velocities?
 
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The launch I saw was going west.
This is either to head into the jet stream and give the ageing L1011 more lift, or since they launch from California it is to point any accident away from a lot of expensive real estate and even more expensive lawyers.
 
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If you launched the Shuttle from the top of Mt. Everest, how much more payload could it carry for same amount of fuel?
 

FAQ: Rocket Launch from Mt. Everest Equator: Benefits & Efficiency

What are the benefits of launching a rocket from Mt. Everest Equator?

The main benefit of launching a rocket from Mt. Everest Equator is the reduced distance and fuel required to reach orbit. The equator provides a natural boost due to the Earth's rotation, and launching from the summit of Mt. Everest, the highest point on Earth, allows the rocket to take advantage of this boost even more. This results in a significant cost and time savings for space agencies.

How much more efficient is launching from Mt. Everest Equator compared to other launch sites?

Launching from Mt. Everest Equator is about 20% more efficient compared to launching from other equatorial launch sites, such as the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This is due to the higher altitude and closer proximity to the equator, which provides a greater rotational velocity.

Are there any risks associated with launching a rocket from Mt. Everest Equator?

Yes, there are risks associated with launching a rocket from Mt. Everest Equator. The high altitude and extreme weather conditions can make it difficult to transport and assemble the rocket. There is also a risk of avalanches and high winds that may affect the launch. Additionally, the local ecosystem and wildlife may be disrupted by the launch.

Can any type of rocket be launched from Mt. Everest Equator?

No, not all types of rockets can be launched from Mt. Everest Equator. Only smaller rockets, such as those used for commercial satellite launches, are suitable for this location due to the limited space and infrastructure available. Larger rockets, such as those used for human spaceflight, would require more space and resources, making it impractical to launch from Mt. Everest Equator.

How does launching from Mt. Everest Equator contribute to the advancement of space exploration?

Launching from Mt. Everest Equator allows for more frequent and cost-effective launches, which can lead to advancements in space exploration. With a shorter distance and less fuel required, space agencies can launch more missions and potentially explore new areas of space. This could also open up opportunities for commercial space travel and tourism.

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