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Old March 11th 04, 12:49 PM
Mike Miller
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Default Alternative to Rockets

"George Kinley" wrote in message ...
Are there any way for rockets to fly in space , other then throwing mass
out in one direction and moving in other


All methods of getting into orbit involve action-reaction in one way
or another, though some can (mostly) avoid rocket engines.

Methods of (mostly) avoiding rocket engines:

1) Space elevator. A long cable to geosynchronous orbit.
2) Mass drivers/railguns/coilgun launchers. Unfortunately, the big
electromagnetic launchers that can fling a spaceship into orbit
without turning passengers to goo is really, really long, like 600-700
miles for a 3G launch.

Mike Miller, Materials Engineer