Launch mechanisms The launch of a spacecraft from the surface of a planet into space places special requirements on the methods of propulsion used. Generally speaking high thrust is of vital importance for launch, and many of the propulsion methods above do not provide sufficent thrust to be used in this capacity. Exhaust toxicity or other side effects can also have detrimental effects on the environment the spacecraft is launching from, ruling out other propulsion methods. Currently, only chemical rockets are used for the launch of spacecraft from Earth's surface. One advantage that spacecraft have in launch is the availability of infrastructure on the ground to assist them. Proposed ground-assisted launch mechanisms include: Space elevator Hypersonic skyhook Electromagnetic catapult (rail gun, coil gun) Laser propulsion (Lightcraft)
The launch of a spacecraft from the surface of a planet into space places special requirements on the methods of propulsion used. Generally speaking high thrust is of vital importance for launch, and many of the propulsion methods above do not provide sufficent thrust to be used in this capacity. Exhaust toxicity or other side effects can also have detrimental effects on the environment the spacecraft is launching from, ruling out other propulsion methods. Currently, only chemical rockets are used for the launch of spacecraft from Earth's surface.
One advantage that spacecraft have in launch is the availability of infrastructure on the ground to assist them. Proposed ground-assisted launch mechanisms include: