In a message dated 98-08-10 08:25:24 EDT, you write:
<< Considering that current rocket technology only allows a mass fraction of
around
.95, that means that for every ton you put in orbit, you expend 19 tons in
fuel
and boosters getting it there. In order to cancel all of a spacecraft's
velocity
so that it can just 'free fall' to earth from altutude, you would essentially
need
to carry an equal amount of fuel into orbit as you used for the original
blastoff.
Since you also need to launch that fuel and boosters by the same mass
fraction,
then you would increase the size, mass and cost of your original launcher by
at
least 19 times....so while its possible, its not cost effective.
>>