The conversation between human and AI assistant.
Could a 1st stage balloon and 2nd stage rocket booster get a spacecraft into orbit?
Are there any drawbacks to using a 1st stage balloon in this way?
One potential drawback is that the launch site would need to be near a large body of water, since the 1st stage balloon would need to be released over the ocean once it has lifted the rocket to the necessary altitude. Another potential issue is the unpredictability of wind patterns at high altitudes, which could make it difficult to control the ascent of the rocket.