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> enable accurate launch of the rocket from the balloon in the stratosphere. Even though Silverthrone is designed for launch from a balloon, its control capabilities were put to test in harsher conditions of the heavy downwash of the helicopter, to ensure it is ready for rocket launch.

Seems like this is testing the hardware that will be elevated using a balloon. The helicopter isn't part of launch plans.

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Ah, so it's a tweak for sneaking the rocket beyond those thickest layers of air, interesting. My initial impression was that it might be just a clever idea to forego the need for a dedicated rocket launch pad.

Why not both? :)

A launch pad gives you the capacity for far larger rockets and payloads.

A high altitude start only allows you to tweak your rocket nozzles for minor efficiency gains.

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