Aircraft-based Rocket Launch

Abstract

Rocket launches are risky, expensive and statistically more likely to fail as compared to a conventional aircraft take-off. Additionally, a larger amount of energy is needed, primarily in the lower troposphere, to propel the rocket upwards[1].

It was theorized that if a rocket is launched above the earth’s troposphere, the amount of fuel and subsequently the size of the rocket would be reduced by a significant margin. This report aims to explore, and also provide a basic understanding on, the methods that are currently implemented in aircraft based rocket launching systems.