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Early science fiction movies depicted spaceships
as being capable of launching directly from the Earth, landing
on another planet, and then flying directly back to the Earth
and landing again in one piece. Such a concept is called "direct
ascent." However, the fuel requirements alone on such "spaceships"
require that they be massive, making them impractical in reality.
Painting depicting "direct ascent" vehicle
on lunar surface. Copyright (c) 2002 Bonestell Space Art |