Re: SSTO vs 2 stage

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Article #6640

#6640

From: Edward V. Wright
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 22:52

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In <1992Dec30.211506.19286@netcom.com> ckp@netcom.com (Charles Pooley) writes:

>People keep debating the merits of 2sto vs ssto, and are overlooking what
>I think is the main consideration.

>The 2nd stage will have the highest Isp possible, a large nozzle for the
>vacuum conditions, and little or no consideration for aerodynamics.

Unfortunately, you have what Max Hunter calls "Isp on the brain."

The goal of the SSTO development program is not to maximize Isp,
minimize mass ratio, or build "the most powerful launcher in the
West" (whatever the hell that means).

It is to reduce the cost of putting payload into orbit.  Period.

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Path: arc1-ca.pugleaf.net!sparky!uunet!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!convex!convex!ewright
From: ewright@convex.com (Edward V. Wright)
Subject: Re: SSTO vs 2 stage
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Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 22:52:56 GMT
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