tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13736696.post-19871853426669208722008-01-21T12:01:00.000-08:002008-01-21T12:01:00.000-08:00I think that launch from a coast and powered vertical landing on a barge in the ocean would be a good idea. <BR/><BR/>Of course you can not reach the barge if there is a total propulsion failure in the middle of the flight, but that is what redundant engines are for. <BR/><BR/>Even when 1000km out, a barge could be towed back to the launch site in a day or so, assuming a tow speed of 25knots. You could check out and refuel the craft while it is being towed back. <BR/><BR/>You would be limited to one launch per day. But for the time being that is quite a good flight rate. <BR/><BR/>For smaller, high frequency payloads you could always fly a RTLS maneuver with your first stage. In fact, it might be best to start with a VTVL TSTO that does a RTLS maneuver, and use the barge when you need to double the payload for a space station once the system is reliable.<BR/><BR/>regards,<BR/><BR/>RüdigerRüdiger Klaehnnoreply@blogger.com