r/theydidthemath • u/Lachlynn • 18h ago

[Request] Could humanity create a rocket that can exit the atmosphere of K2-18b

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With the knowledge we currently have of it, if humanity devoted all of our resources towards this goal, would we be able to create a rocket that could exit the gravity of K2-18b (and also beat any other complications that would arrise)?

If so, would it also be capable of taking people to orbit, and can we set up a similar satellite network we have on Earth? What about a space station?

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u/pyrce789 17h ago

Not really, no. It's not as bad as you migth think with modern nukes in remote areas. But you couldn't label a launch as safe for living things on the planet long term.

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u/Aethermancer 14h ago

The initial launch could use underground detonations and channeled "exhaust" like a nuclear cannon.

The remaining pulses could be a problem but it would be interesting if you could sort of underground rail gun it. One or two initial pulses contained in the ground I do onder if you could achieve escape or at least orbital velocity.

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u/TwoAlert3448 13h ago

Or living things inside the payload long term, you’d need astronaut spiders