Why Isn’t Air Launching More Common?

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! - Or become a YouTube member for some bonus perks as well! - The best place for all your space me