The author reviews the state of art of nonrocket launch assistance systems (LASs) for spaceflight focusing on air launch options.\r\nThe author proposes an alternative technologically feasible LAS based on a combination of approaches: air launch, high-altitude\r\nballoon, and tethered LAS. Proposed LAS can be implemented with the existing off-the-shelf hardware delivering 7 kg to low-earth\r\norbit for the 5200 USD per kg. Proposed design can deliver larger reduction in price and larger orbital payloads with the future\r\nadvances in the aerostats, ropes, electrical motors, and terrestrial power networks.
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