From: root@mauve.demon.co.uk   
      
   Mike Miller  wrote:   
   > Daniel Walker  wrote in message news:<   
   ine.LNX.4.60.0406241716070.10924@hermes-1.csi.cam.ac.uk>...   
   >> I imagine the answers will involve the excess fuel needed, manoeuvring,   
   >> restartable engines, etc., so at what point (what altitude) does the   
   >> weight of thermal protection tiles beat the extra fuel needed for an   
   >> orbital craft? I know there's lots of variables involved, but wondered if   
   >> anyone had considered this?   
   >   
   > Yes, it's been considered.   
   >   
   > Getting to orbit typically requires about 90-95% of the vehicle to be   
   > fuel. In other words, for every kilogram put in orbit, 9 to 19   
   > kilograms (or more) of fuel are required to put that kilogram into   
   > orbit.   
      
   Hmm.   
   200Kg payload to 100Km. (SS1).   
   Assume an ISP of 250.   
   Should be good for a few kilos to LEO, with a three/four stage solid   
   of modest performance.   
      
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