Danes in spaaaaaaaaaaccceeee!!!

Originally Posted by UnderseaLcpl

I have a question for the space buffs out there, and sadly it does not involve the long-awaited ascension of Denmark to the rank of space-vikings, but it is somewhat topical, and has been bugging me for a long time.

Why do we not simply use an aerodynamic aircraft with jet and rocket engines to attain orbit? It would have to be more efficient than just using rockets all the way, right? I thought that was the premise that Spaceship One was based upon. If they can get that thing into low orbit for less than a million dollars, why does everyone continue to insist upon using rockets alone?

Because going straight up is the fastest way out of the atmosphere, if you go in an aircraft style ascent you have to fight the air almost the entire way, by going straight up you get out of the air in as little time and fuel possible allowing you to use your fuel for attaining orbit in a frictionless environment.

[XabbaRus]

To add to the rocket answer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HOTOL

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reaction_Engines_Skylon