Why is everyone still focusing on rockets? I’ve heard there have been some pretty spectacular developments regarding space planes and hybrid rocket/jet engines (like the SABRE engine) that result in highly efficient engines. Additionally, the SABRE engine specifically is actually significantly more efficient than a traditional jet engine, so why isn’t it replacing traditional turbines or other jets? Everyone’s still trying to send stuff (more or less) straight up.
Why is everyone still focusing on rockets? I’ve heard there have been some pretty spectacular developments regarding space planes and hybrid rocket/jet engines (like the SABRE engine) that result in highly efficient engines. Additionally, the SABRE engine specifically is actually significantly more efficient than a traditional jet engine, so why isn’t it replacing traditional turbines or other jets? Everyone’s still trying to send stuff (more or less) straight up.