This has existed for a long time. There's not much new.
The rocket equation tells you that you need lots of fuel to send mass to orbit. That is referred to as delta V, change in velocity. LEO is about 17,500 mph, this jet gets to maybe 1,000 mph?
Most rockets are not big because they can be, they are big because they have to be.
This project isn't actually getting to orbit yet. Is it actually 1 million in cost to get there or is that before profit? Then you're talking more like 3-4 million at minimum.
Bryce
On Friday, February 6, 2015, Jacob Tennant jakewf8s@gmail.com wrote:
This seems so smart that I don't know why they haven't done this already.
http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/06/darpa-alasa-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classi...
Jacob Tennant WF8S _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org javascript:;. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb