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Honda conducts successful launch and landing of experimental reusable rocket

(global.honda)
1355 points LorenDB | 1 comments | 17 Jun 25 15:02 UTC | HN request time: 0.21s | source
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IgorPartola ◴[17 Jun 25 22:13 UTC] No.44304533[source]▶
I might as well ask here though this is probably a bit off topic: for smaller rockets why are catapults not used? Seems like it could save a bit on fuel and maybe even a stage.
replies(3): >>44304655 #>>44305169 #>>44308964 #
1. generalizations ◴[17 Jun 25 23:42 UTC] No.44305169[source]▶
Short answer: you still need a complex vehicle to finish the orbit insertion after getting thrown, and now you have the added complexity of designing your (smaller) rocket to a) survive a massive g-force while being thrown and b) fit into the catapult sling. So far the tradeoffs haven't been worth it.

Basically the only things we know of that can survive our spin launch systems is stuff like 'very crushable food supplies' or 'a giant lump of steel'.