Originally Posted by
ImageGear
Understood in regard to current technology, but within a relatively short space of time, the capability should arrive unless the vested interests step heavily on any future development cycle....and yes, under every rock is a critter with your name on it.
Even new technology cannot go against the laws of physics. Parasitic drag rises a lot after Mach 0.8 and decreases again slowly after Mach 1, but still stays higher than below Mach 0.8. The only solution to this is to go (sub) orbital, but then a lot of energy is needed to get there, which must be dissipated getting back. Plus you need to bring oxygen for the passengers to breathe and air breathing engines will not work.