Why Aren't Rockets Used for Suborbital Travel?

Rocket technology has advanced dramatically over the years, but why aren't rockets used as a means of suborbital space travel for commercial and military purposes? While the technical feasibility of suborbital hypersonic rocket planes carries a dozen passengers is undeniable, the economics of such ventures make them unviable.

The Case Against Rockets for Suborbital Travel

When considering the feasibility of suborbital hypersonic rocket planes, several key factors come to the forefront. Technologically, it is entirely feasible to build such a spacecraft. This is evident from the ongoing efforts of companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, who have been developing suborbital rockets for space travel. However, the economic viability of such ventures poses a significant challenge.

Economic Feasibility and Market Demand

The fundamental issue lies in the economic model of suborbital space travel. According to the analysis, a 3-hour suborbital flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo, which could be theoretically possible, would not be economically feasible. Here are the critical factors:

Travel Time: The journey would still take around 11 hours, including 2 hours for security, 2 hours for travel to the airport, and 4 hours for arrival and disembarkation. This nearly doubles the current air travel time of around 12 hours from Los Angeles to Tokyo. Passenger Experience: Given the lack of facilities for passenger comfort, such as sleeping areas, the overall journey would be extremely uncomfortable and plagued by jet lag. Market Demand: There is insufficient demand for this type of service, especially for perishable goods. The current air travel market is well-established, and there are ample reasons for most perishable goods to be delivered via conventional means.

Military and Space Exploration Use Cases

While the civil and commercial aspects of suborbital space travel may face challenges, military and space exploration have significantly different requirements. For instance:

Military Use: The military can simply deploy missiles for rapid, point-to-point transport. Rockets are not necessary for this purpose and would be less precise and more cumbersome. Space Exploration: Rockets play a crucial role in launching payloads into space, conducting scientific experiments, and exploring planets.

Example of Suborbital Rockets in Development

Despite the economic challenges, rockets are indeed used for suborbital space travel, as evidenced by the strides made by companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin:

Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic, part of Richard Branson's Virgin Group, is known for its space tourism program. Though primarily focused on suborbital flights, the company is developing vehicles, such as the SpaceShipTwo, that test the boundaries of rocket technology for commercial spaceflights. Although currently not commercially viable, Virgin Galactic’s vision for space tourism is groundbreaking, representing a significant step towards making space travel more accessible to the public.

New Shepard

New Shepard, developed by Blue Origin, is another notable example. This rocket is designed for suborbital spaceflight and aims to achieve commercial space tourism. While the company is facing similar economic hurdles, New Shepard represents a significant leap in suborbital rocket technology and is a testament to the technological advancements in this field.

Conclusion

In summary, while the technical feasibility of suborbital hypersonic rocket planes for commercial and suborbital travel is well-documented, the economic model and current demand limitations make such ventures unviable. However, the same rockets are already in use for other purposes, such as space tourism and military needs. As technology continues to advance, it is highly likely that we will see more practical applications of suborbital rockets in the future.