Why Not Air Launch Rockets?

Air launching is perhaps one of the most tantalizing concepts for launch vehicles. Use an aircraft while in the atmosphere so we use the atmosphere to our advantage to lift and accelerate a rocket and then just start the rocket in the upper atmosphere while already at a high velocity!

It honestly feels like a no-brainer. So why don’t we see more companies pursuing this? Or for that matter, why are pretty much all the programs that utilized air launch for orbital rockets no longer in existence?

00:00 - Intro
01:39 - Prerequisite
02:15 - Pros Of Air Launching
06:05 - Cons Of Air Launching
20:05 - Summary

--------------------------

Want to support what I do? Consider becoming a Patreon supporter for access to exclusive livestreams, our discord channel! -   / everydayastronaut  

Or become a YouTube member for some bonus perks as well! -    / @everydayastronaut  

The best place for all your space merch needs!
https://everydayastronaut.com/shop/

All music is original! Check out my album "Maximum Aerodynamic Pressure" anywhere you listen to music (Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, etc) or click here for easy links - http://everydayastronaut.com/music